Lady Seahawks advance in NCAA tournament

By: Julie Pearson
Posted In: Sports

Screaming fans, rumbling bleachers, bursting flashbulbs, and news cameras. What brings this type of crowd? The Salve women’s basketball team drew 550 fans to Roger’s Recreation Center last night at 7PM when they took on the Emmanuel College Saints in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

The Lady Seahawks went into last night’s game 24-4; with the sophomores on the team looking to capture their 50th career win. The team entered the gym for warm-ups to the hymn, “Salve Regina,” and a roaring crowd. The starters included sophomores Kendra Lee, Captain Lindsay Frederick, Kelly Mallon, Jennifer Leahy, and freshman Meghan Barry.

As the game began Emmanuel, 24-5, jumped out to an early, small lead. Jennifer Leahy broke open the game with a series of steals and fast breaks giving the Seahawks the advantage. The aggressive and physical Saints team challenged the Seahawks throughout the game, but Salve came out on top at the half with the score at 32-29, and shooting 38.7% from the field.

Salve opened the second half on fire, and battled the Saints for every possession. The Seahawk’s accuracy improved in the second half with their field goal percentage at 45.8%, significantly higher than Emmanuel’s 36.4%. With the seconds dwindling Salve possessed a small lead over the Saints. Meaghan Stapleton, last week’s “Player of the Week,” drained two free throws to seal the win for the Seahawks. A last attempt for a three-pointer to tie the game failed for Emmanuel, and Salve finished the game on top, 61-58.

Jennifer Leahy led the team with 16 points, Lindsay Frederick contributed 13, and both Margaret O’Brien and Kelly Mallon chipped in for nine. Frederick paced the team with 20 rebounds, with Leahy following with 11. The entire team contributed to the win, as every player scored at least once for the Seahawks. Meghan Barry suffered foul trouble, eventually fouling out, but still managed three rebounds and four points, while Kelli Miklovich, the sole senior, offered one rebound and three points.

Salve led the Saints in almost all aspects of the game, including free throws, field goal percentage, steals, rebounds, and blocks. Jennifer Leahy tallied six steals, and four blocks, while Mallon and Miklovich hit the only two three-pointers by the Seahawks.

“I’m so happy with everything about this game,” said Frederick. “Kendra and Kelly kept their composure, Stapleton came through when we needed it, Jenn had great streaks to the basket, the freshman really picked it up. Even the fans were great!” Stapleton viewed her teammates as a part of the night’s success, “These aren’t just my teammates, they’re my best friends, we’re like a family.”

In order to reach the NCAA tournament Salve first had to capture the Commonwealth Coast Conference championship against Colby-Sawyer. The Seahawks defeated the team 67-58 at the Coffin Field House in New London, NH on Saturday, giving them the opportunity to play Emmanuel College in the NCAA tournament.

This team has proved that hard work pays off, and their record and awards speak for themselves. Lindsay Frederick was named to the Second Team All-Conference team, while Megan Barry and Kelly Mallon received All-Conference Honorable Mentions.

The Seahawks were ecstatic with their win and look forward to playing Bowdoin, ME in the next round of the NCAA tournament. With Salve students headed on Spring Break this weekend, Frederick made it clear where she was happy to spend her vacation, “Spring Break ’04: MAINE!”