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Volume CXXXIII, Number 13 |
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Top-ranked Bears eke out wins over Middlebury and Williams
BETH KOWITT
ORIENT STAFF
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| The 2003-2004 Bowdoin Women's Basketball Team has far exceeded the success of last years team (above), which was ranked number seven in the nation and went 26-3. (Courtesy of www.bowdoin.edu) |
The Bowdoin Women's Basketball Team held onto their undefeated record of 19-0 (6-0 in NESCAC play) and their number one spot with wins over Williams and Middlebury on January 30 and 31, respectively. The team beat the Middlebury Panthers in a close 60-53 matchup and the Williams Ephs 62-61 in overtime.
Bowdoin struggled offensively at the start against Middlebury, as the Panthers dominated the scoring in the first half with a 22-10 lead. Justine Pouravelis '06 at forward rallied the team with eight points to end the half at 28-25.
"It took us a little bit to get in the right rhythm in the Middlebury game," said senior captain Courtney Trotta, "but once our defense started clicking, we were able to force some steals and change the pace of the game."
Pouravelis was also key in the second half as she tied up in the game at 39 apiece with just over 11 minutes remaining. The Polar Bears then kicked up the defense, holding Middlebury scoreless for five minutes and taking the win.
"Overall, we didn't shoot the ball or rebound particularly well," said Head Coach Stefanie Pemper, "but our defense came through for us and we made some big baskets down the stretch when the game was on the line."
Senior captain and NESCAC player of the week Lora Trenkle led the scoring with 17 points and seven rebounds. Pouravelis finished the game with 16 points, six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. Pouravelis and Trenkle were the only two Bowdoin players to score in the double-digits.
"We knew Middlebury was a very strong team with two of the better forwards and two of the better shooters in the league," said Pemper. "We were coming off the emotional and physical roller coaster of our Williams game the night before, whereas Middlebury cruised to a win over Colby Friday."
The team had a rough start against Williams and was down 32-16 at the half. They came together offensively in the second half, improving their shooting percentage by over 20 percent and outscoring Williams 41-25.
The two teams went into overtime with 57 apiece. With 2.4 seconds left in the game, Vanessa Russell '06 hit a three-pointer to clench the game for the Polar Bears with a final score of 62-61.
Eileen Flaherty '07 sparked the Polar Bears with a career-high 24 points and had 11 rebounds. Pouravelis also scored in the double-digits with 13 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and five steals. Trenkle followed with 12 points.
"The Williams-Middlebury trip is always a hard one to make, and coming back with two wins is a great boost to our team," said Trotta.
After two tough matchups last weekend, the team is ready to face Tufts away at 7:00 p.m. tonight and in-state rival Bates in Lewiston on 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. "Tufts and Bates are also at the top of the league," said Trotta, "so we should have another pretty competitive weekend."
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