Friday, March 2, 2007
2.5 seconds left, FU 55, SC 56
Siena hits a three with time running down on the shot clock to pull ahead by one. Fairfield will have one last chance.
57.5 FU 55, SC 51
-Meka takes an ill-advised three with time still remaining on the shot clock giving Siena possession with nearly a minute left.
-Chris and James
-Chris and James
3:04 FU 51, SC 49
-Siena now in the bonus. The Stags are only one foul away from getting in there too.
-Chris and James
-Chris and James
4:35 FU 49, SC 47
-Sabra Wrice just went one-three and still made the bucket, she now has 29. No one else seems to want to step up. Also, it seems as if every post player on the Stags is in foul trouble.
-Chris and James
-Chris and James
10:39 FU 40, SC 40
-Still tied, Sabra is carrying the offense right now, but when the Stags get Baendu the ball she is performing well as well.
-Chris and James
-Chris and James
12:39 FU 36, SC 36
-Tie ball game.
-Fairfield is really struggling right now to score any kind of points since Siena went to a 2-3 zone.
-Chris and James
-Fairfield is really struggling right now to score any kind of points since Siena went to a 2-3 zone.
-Chris and James
3:50 FU 23, SC 18
-Lauren Groom hits a shot, the first Fairfield player to score besides Sabra or Baendu.
-Chris and James
-Chris and James
5:14 FU 21, SC 18
-Sabra checks back in. The Stags almost blew the game open, but now the Saint Bernards are creeping back in.
-Chris and James
-Chris and James
6:46 FU 21, SC 16
-Another foul for the Stags giving them seven. Siena is now in the bonus.
-The Stags haven't been rebounding well either.
-Meka ran the wrong play at one point, she seems to be trying to take people one-on-one.
-Chris and James
-The Stags haven't been rebounding well either.
-Meka ran the wrong play at one point, she seems to be trying to take people one-on-one.
-Chris and James
9:29 FU 19, SC 11
-Sabra came up limping, but remains in the game. Scary for Stag fans.
-Chris and James
-Chris and James
11:19 FU 16, SC 9
-Sabra 12 points, 3 steals already.
-Baendu is the only other Stag to score with 4, and is going to the line for two.
-Chris and James
-Baendu is the only other Stag to score with 4, and is going to the line for two.
-Chris and James
Pregaming at the Arena
-Both writers agree, Fairfield will win it. The Stags split the season series with their win coming at the Arena as well.
-Arguably more Saints fans than Stag supporters here. The student section moved from its normal spot removed from the court to the middle in the normal section.
-Chris Simmons, James Thompson
-Arguably more Saints fans than Stag supporters here. The student section moved from its normal spot removed from the court to the middle in the normal section.
-Chris Simmons, James Thompson
Thursday, March 1, 2007
MAAC Tourney: First Round Predictions
With the MAAC Tourney set to begin at noon today, teams throughout the conference will be watching to see who ousts who.
At 12 p.m., Saint Peter's and Rider square off. Saint Peter's has beaten Rider twice so far -- winning by a margin greater than 15 both times. Look for the Peahens to continue their winning ways against a Broncs team that has struggled both offensively and defensively.
The 2 p.m. game, Manhattan vs. Niagara, will be anybody's game. The two teams split their series with each other this year. Manhattan lost by almost 20 the first time out, but won by three in the second contest. Having won three of their last five games compared to the Broncs' one victory in the same amount of time, the Lady Jaspers may be the squad to beat.
-Frank Romano
At 12 p.m., Saint Peter's and Rider square off. Saint Peter's has beaten Rider twice so far -- winning by a margin greater than 15 both times. Look for the Peahens to continue their winning ways against a Broncs team that has struggled both offensively and defensively.
The 2 p.m. game, Manhattan vs. Niagara, will be anybody's game. The two teams split their series with each other this year. Manhattan lost by almost 20 the first time out, but won by three in the second contest. Having won three of their last five games compared to the Broncs' one victory in the same amount of time, the Lady Jaspers may be the squad to beat.
-Frank Romano
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Head Coach Dianne Nolan on St. Peter's Win
"In the first half we were able to get in the passing lanes and disrupt their offense. In the second half we gave up dribble penetration which resulted in some lay-ups or fouls."
"Other players stepped up as Sabra [Wrice] had a tough shooting night. That's the beauty of our team, we have some depth and can add to our production."
"Our rebounding and free throw shooting were key. Although Sabra did not have a good floor game she was 7 for 7 from the line as well as Megan [Caskin] hitting key free throws. St. Peter's is always a tough place to play so it was a key win."
"The Marist game will be a challenge as it's their senior nigh,t but the team is upbeat and ready to be the spoilers. To finish in the top four was a preseason goal and the kids are excited for the tournament."
-Chris Simmons
"Other players stepped up as Sabra [Wrice] had a tough shooting night. That's the beauty of our team, we have some depth and can add to our production."
"Our rebounding and free throw shooting were key. Although Sabra did not have a good floor game she was 7 for 7 from the line as well as Megan [Caskin] hitting key free throws. St. Peter's is always a tough place to play so it was a key win."
"The Marist game will be a challenge as it's their senior nigh,t but the team is upbeat and ready to be the spoilers. To finish in the top four was a preseason goal and the kids are excited for the tournament."
-Chris Simmons
A Preview of the Fairfield at Marist Game
The Stags come out for their final game of the season against Marist College. Fairfield is currently tied for third place with Loyola College. With a win, the Stags can hope for a third-place finish, but a loss will drop them only one spot to fourth.
During their last match-up with the Red Foxes, the Stags found themselves struggling early and fell, 74-52. However, the Stags have shown a dramatic increase in their defensive and offensive efforts. With stronger shooting and a great team off the bench, the Stags will definitely be the team to beat.
Fairfield comes off a strong win against St. Peter’s College, 57-54. Look for the Stags to continue this winning mentality and translate it into a strong performance on the court.
-Mary Therese
During their last match-up with the Red Foxes, the Stags found themselves struggling early and fell, 74-52. However, the Stags have shown a dramatic increase in their defensive and offensive efforts. With stronger shooting and a great team off the bench, the Stags will definitely be the team to beat.
Fairfield comes off a strong win against St. Peter’s College, 57-54. Look for the Stags to continue this winning mentality and translate it into a strong performance on the court.
-Mary Therese
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Practice Update
The women took the court again today for another rousing practice.
Stephanie Cziria was the only player held out of practice. She came down with the flu. However, she is feeling better and should be fine for Friday's game against Saint Peter's.
Head Coach Dianne Nolan said that the Stags were going to focus on containing the Peahens' guards. While they may be small, they shoot well in their gym and are effective from beyond the arc. Nolan wants the Stags to stop their dribble penetration. She also had the team work on skip passes, where the ball is swung to the other side of the court with one pass.
Nolan is also focusing on the Stags' rebounding and transition game. When they push the ball and run up-tempo, she feels that it gives the team an extra spark.
With the MAAC tournament approaching, Nolan hasn't given the Stags' opponent much thought yet. While the Stags are guaranteed at least a fourth place finish and possibly a third, five through eight are still too close to call. However, Nolan is definitely pleased that Fairfield was able to come in the top four and pick up a bye.
-Chris Simmons
Stephanie Cziria was the only player held out of practice. She came down with the flu. However, she is feeling better and should be fine for Friday's game against Saint Peter's.
Head Coach Dianne Nolan said that the Stags were going to focus on containing the Peahens' guards. While they may be small, they shoot well in their gym and are effective from beyond the arc. Nolan wants the Stags to stop their dribble penetration. She also had the team work on skip passes, where the ball is swung to the other side of the court with one pass.
Nolan is also focusing on the Stags' rebounding and transition game. When they push the ball and run up-tempo, she feels that it gives the team an extra spark.
With the MAAC tournament approaching, Nolan hasn't given the Stags' opponent much thought yet. While the Stags are guaranteed at least a fourth place finish and possibly a third, five through eight are still too close to call. However, Nolan is definitely pleased that Fairfield was able to come in the top four and pick up a bye.
-Chris Simmons
Monday, February 19, 2007
4:01 FU 64, SC 54
- Sabra now has 30 points after hitting a three from the corner. The single game high for Fairfield is 35.
-Chris SImmons
-Chris SImmons
8:14 FU 54, SC 50
- However, Siena is still battling and working their way back into the game.
- The Stags defense has forced some fast breaks as Fairfield is beginning to pull away.
-Chris Simmons
- The Stags defense has forced some fast breaks as Fairfield is beginning to pull away.
-Chris Simmons
14:52 SC 40, FU 39
Neither team has been able to break away from the other. Wrice now has 20 points.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
3:18 SC 29, FU 26
-Fairfield's defense hasn't played up to its usual high standards, Siena is shooting 50% from beyond the arc (3 of 6) and 44% from the field overall.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
7:59 FU 26, SC 22
- Sabra has 17 of the Stags' 26.
-2 to go. Hits again from a huge three behind the arc a good three feet again.
-5 to go.
-7 to go. Sabra hits from three feet outside the arc.
-Chris Simmons
-2 to go. Hits again from a huge three behind the arc a good three feet again.
-5 to go.
-7 to go. Sabra hits from three feet outside the arc.
-Chris Simmons
11:47 FU 16, SC 15
-Ball dribbles out of bounds, no one from the Stags even makes an attempt on it, Siena ball.
-Baendu travels for the third time.
-Sabra to the line for 2. 11 to go. 10 to go.
-12 points to go for Sabra after a three.
-Chris Simmons
-Baendu travels for the third time.
-Sabra to the line for 2. 11 to go. 10 to go.
-12 points to go for Sabra after a three.
-Chris Simmons
14:50 FU 9, SC 7
- Stags look good on offense, but need to limit Siena's post players from having their way.
- 15 to go.
- 17 points to go for Sabra.
-A minute and a half in and Groom and Wrice come in for Young and Lindsay.
-Senior Day. Seniors Elise Young, Candice Lindsay, and Cara Murphy get the start along with Baendu Lowenthal and Stephanie Geehan. Sabra Wrice, who need 19 points for 1000, starts on the bench.
-Chris Simmons
- 15 to go.
- 17 points to go for Sabra.
-A minute and a half in and Groom and Wrice come in for Young and Lindsay.
-Senior Day. Seniors Elise Young, Candice Lindsay, and Cara Murphy get the start along with Baendu Lowenthal and Stephanie Geehan. Sabra Wrice, who need 19 points for 1000, starts on the bench.
-Chris Simmons
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Post-Game Press Conference
I would make the audio available, but apparently, the software doesn't work on Macs, so you'll just have to read it.
Head Coach Dianne Nolan (opening statement) - “I think we lost some opportunities when we had them. I thought our post play was pretty good. I thought we needed to get a little bit more from our perimeters. The game was on the ropes and we missed a couple shots, we missed a couple foul shots. We held, we held, we held and then they kinda gapped us.”
Nolan (why the offense struggled) – “I think people were trying to get free on their own and not really using each other."
Nolan (why foul shooting struggled) – “I have no idea. I wish I knew that answer. We shoot them in practice every day. I think it just became a head game. I don’t have an answer for that one, do you B?”
Sophomore forward Baendu Lowenthal (foul shooting) – “I think I agree it was a head game. Like you said, we shoot them everyday in practice. We’ve been shooting them every since we were little. I think most of it is mental when it comes to foul shots.”
Lowenthal (on getting into foul trouble early) – “You have to be cautious when you start the game out with two fouls. You have to be cautious, you don’t want to grab that third one. And you can’t really do much, you want to go for every single steal and stop everything, but you have to pick and choose which ones, whichever one you think is the best. I guess my choices were wrong today.”
Lowenthal (on what the team needs to work on) – “I would say foul shots and making shots. And working together and playing together.”
Nolan (on why the team couldn't pull ahead after coming within four) – “We missed a breakaway layup, and then we missed a couple free throws, and a jumper.”
Nolan (on why Fairfield couldn't convert turnovers into points) – “I thought they tried to get back fast, and I think we looked unsure coming down in transition, who was taking what lane. I thought Iona did a good job of trying to get back and disrupting us.”
Lowenthal (on how Fairfield tried to stop Iona's frontcourt) – “We worked on having our guards come down and help us dig because we were undersized. And just doubling down on the post."
Nolan (on how Fairfield tried to stop Iona's frontcourt) – “And laying off, not guarding them outside the arc.”
Nolan (on Sabra Wrice's writs) – “I think it’s sore. It’s not something that is going to keep her out. It just going to be sore.”
-Chris Simmons
Head Coach Dianne Nolan (opening statement) - “I think we lost some opportunities when we had them. I thought our post play was pretty good. I thought we needed to get a little bit more from our perimeters. The game was on the ropes and we missed a couple shots, we missed a couple foul shots. We held, we held, we held and then they kinda gapped us.”
Nolan (why the offense struggled) – “I think people were trying to get free on their own and not really using each other."
Nolan (why foul shooting struggled) – “I have no idea. I wish I knew that answer. We shoot them in practice every day. I think it just became a head game. I don’t have an answer for that one, do you B?”
Sophomore forward Baendu Lowenthal (foul shooting) – “I think I agree it was a head game. Like you said, we shoot them everyday in practice. We’ve been shooting them every since we were little. I think most of it is mental when it comes to foul shots.”
Lowenthal (on getting into foul trouble early) – “You have to be cautious when you start the game out with two fouls. You have to be cautious, you don’t want to grab that third one. And you can’t really do much, you want to go for every single steal and stop everything, but you have to pick and choose which ones, whichever one you think is the best. I guess my choices were wrong today.”
Lowenthal (on what the team needs to work on) – “I would say foul shots and making shots. And working together and playing together.”
Nolan (on why the team couldn't pull ahead after coming within four) – “We missed a breakaway layup, and then we missed a couple free throws, and a jumper.”
Nolan (on why Fairfield couldn't convert turnovers into points) – “I thought they tried to get back fast, and I think we looked unsure coming down in transition, who was taking what lane. I thought Iona did a good job of trying to get back and disrupting us.”
Lowenthal (on how Fairfield tried to stop Iona's frontcourt) – “We worked on having our guards come down and help us dig because we were undersized. And just doubling down on the post."
Nolan (on how Fairfield tried to stop Iona's frontcourt) – “And laying off, not guarding them outside the arc.”
Nolan (on Sabra Wrice's writs) – “I think it’s sore. It’s not something that is going to keep her out. It just going to be sore.”
-Chris Simmons
2:32 IC 52, FU 45
-6'5" Martina Weber picked up her fifth foul, putting her on the bench for the rest of the game.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
3:46 IC 49, FU 44
-Stephanie Geehan picks up her fourth foul, ten on the team.
-Sabra Wrice fouled on a three point shot. Misses the first, hits the second, makes the third as well. Fairfield is within three.
-Chris Simmons
-Sabra Wrice fouled on a three point shot. Misses the first, hits the second, makes the third as well. Fairfield is within three.
-Chris Simmons
5:24 IC 47, FU 42
-Fairfield timeout after a Geehan layup. Fairfield is going to have to make their move soon. They are within five with five minutes to go. Still time to comeback.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
7:58 IC 45, FU 38
-Same stuff keeps happening. Fairfield gets close, Iona stays ahead. Wrice is going to the line to shoot two and hopefully bring them within striking distance again.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
11:23 IC 40, FU 32
-Nolan calls a timeout. She is upset with the shot Meka Werts just took. She wants the Stags to focus on moving the ball around.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
11:49 IC 38, FU 32
-The Stags pulled within four, but everything it looks as though they are ready to take the lead, Iona comes right back.
-Baendu Lowenthal picks up her third foul and Tara Flaherty comes in for her with 14:30 left in the game.
-Chris Simmons
-Baendu Lowenthal picks up her third foul and Tara Flaherty comes in for her with 14:30 left in the game.
-Chris Simmons
15:21 IC 34, FU 29
-Fairfield is slowly chipping away at the lead, but they are still making some careless plays. If they can start playing up to their abilities, they could take the lead.
- Sabra Wrice has come back in after a few minute absence with her hand taped up.
-Chris Simmons
- Sabra Wrice has come back in after a few minute absence with her hand taped up.
-Chris Simmons
18:54 IC 32, FU 25
-Wrice hit a three, then stole the ball, but missed the wide open layup. It looks as if she hurt her hand on the play as she came up grimacing. She is on the bench now getting her hand looked at and taped.
-Nolan chose to come out of halftime with a slightly different look. Wrice, Werts, Moore, Geehan, and Lowenthal.
-Chris Simmons
-Nolan chose to come out of halftime with a slightly different look. Wrice, Werts, Moore, Geehan, and Lowenthal.
-Chris Simmons
4:25 IC 28, FU 16
-Iona has hit three straight threes, one of which was a couple of feet behind the top of the arc by Weber.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
7:39 IC 19, FU 12
-Baendu Lowenthal has come back in and it looks like Fairfield is going to try to keep getting her the ball. The Stags are still making some mental mistakes, but they have been able to stay in this game.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
11:49 IC 15, FU 8
-Fairfield has been trying to battle back, but it seems whenever they draw close, Iona hits a three. Iona taller players can shoot from the outside as well.
-Looking to jump start her team, Nolan has subbed in Megan Caskin, Meka Werts, and Stephanie Cziria. Caskin seems to be playing well today. Hopefully, it continues.
-Chris Simmons
-Looking to jump start her team, Nolan has subbed in Megan Caskin, Meka Werts, and Stephanie Cziria. Caskin seems to be playing well today. Hopefully, it continues.
-Chris Simmons
15:57 IC 9, FU 4
-Iona has been dominating the boards so far. They keep pounding the ball inside to Martina Weber, a 6-5 center. Baendu Lowenthal has already picked up two fouls.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
18:21, IU 4, FU 0
-AFter falling down 4-0, Dianne Nolan calls a timeout. The Stags have made some sloppy plays so far. Groom threw the ball away and also missed an easy rebound that led to a Iona layup.
-Some starting lineup changes for the Stags. Lauren Groom is replacing Meka Werts, and Cara Murphy is in for Megan Caskin.
-Chris Simmons
-Some starting lineup changes for the Stags. Lauren Groom is replacing Meka Werts, and Cara Murphy is in for Megan Caskin.
-Chris Simmons
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Fairfield Stags vs. Canisius Golden Griffins
The Stags will take on the Griffs Sunday at Alumni Hall — the last game in the venue for the season.
The last time these two MAAC teams met, the Stags rallied over the Griffs, 76-66. Fairfield comes off a win against Manhattan on Friday night and will look to get back into the winning groove.
Wrice and Lowenthal came out big for the Stags on Friday and will also look to lead their team to another victory. As a credit to the Stags, their defense has really picked up, allowing the Lady Jaspers only 12 points in the second half of play.
If the defense stays strong and the offense stays focused, the Stags will be the team to beat. With only five games left, a win over Canisius would put the Stags in good position to stay in the # 2 seed in the MAAC.
The game tomorrow starts a three game home stretch for the Stags.
-Mary Therese
The last time these two MAAC teams met, the Stags rallied over the Griffs, 76-66. Fairfield comes off a win against Manhattan on Friday night and will look to get back into the winning groove.
Wrice and Lowenthal came out big for the Stags on Friday and will also look to lead their team to another victory. As a credit to the Stags, their defense has really picked up, allowing the Lady Jaspers only 12 points in the second half of play.
If the defense stays strong and the offense stays focused, the Stags will be the team to beat. With only five games left, a win over Canisius would put the Stags in good position to stay in the # 2 seed in the MAAC.
The game tomorrow starts a three game home stretch for the Stags.
-Mary Therese
Women Get Revenge, Defeat Manhattan 59-49
This Friday, the Stags were in danger of being swept by a team that is significantly behind them in the standings.
Last Friday, Manhattan pounded the Stags' defense and won, 74-61.
The latest game was going in much the same way, with the Jaspers up by one at halftime, 37-36.
It was the same as last time, with Manhattan shooting 57.7 percent in the first half. However, the Stags were able to keep the game close with their three point shooting, going five of nine in the first half.
The Stags dominated defensively during the second half, allowing the Lady Jaspers to shoot only 27 percent. Fairfield held Manhattan to only 12 points in the half, as it pulled away to a 59-49 win. The Stags also forced 27 turnovers.
Junior guard Sabra Wrice again led the Stags in scoring with 15. She also recorded two of Fairfield's 13 steals.
Sophomore forward Baendu Lowenthal recorded her sixth double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds along with two steals.
Once again, the frontcourt played a major role in the victory with the Stags out-rebounding the Lady Jaspers, 38-28.
The one major drawback of the game was turnovers; Fairfield gave the ball up 23 times.
However, the win improves the Stags to 13-11 overall and 9-4 in the MAAC. With Iona's loss to St. Peter's, the Stags are currently tied with Loyola and Iona at 9-4. However, the Stags swept the Greyhounds, but lost to Iona earlier in the season; the two squads have one game left to play.
If the Stags finish in second place in the MAAC and do not win the MAAC tournament, they will be in good position to get a WNIT bid (guaranteed if first place Marist wins the tournament).
Check back for more coverage tomorrow as the Stags take on Canisius at Alumni Hall at 1:30.
-Chris Simmons
Last Friday, Manhattan pounded the Stags' defense and won, 74-61.
The latest game was going in much the same way, with the Jaspers up by one at halftime, 37-36.
It was the same as last time, with Manhattan shooting 57.7 percent in the first half. However, the Stags were able to keep the game close with their three point shooting, going five of nine in the first half.
The Stags dominated defensively during the second half, allowing the Lady Jaspers to shoot only 27 percent. Fairfield held Manhattan to only 12 points in the half, as it pulled away to a 59-49 win. The Stags also forced 27 turnovers.
Junior guard Sabra Wrice again led the Stags in scoring with 15. She also recorded two of Fairfield's 13 steals.
Sophomore forward Baendu Lowenthal recorded her sixth double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds along with two steals.
Once again, the frontcourt played a major role in the victory with the Stags out-rebounding the Lady Jaspers, 38-28.
The one major drawback of the game was turnovers; Fairfield gave the ball up 23 times.
However, the win improves the Stags to 13-11 overall and 9-4 in the MAAC. With Iona's loss to St. Peter's, the Stags are currently tied with Loyola and Iona at 9-4. However, the Stags swept the Greyhounds, but lost to Iona earlier in the season; the two squads have one game left to play.
If the Stags finish in second place in the MAAC and do not win the MAAC tournament, they will be in good position to get a WNIT bid (guaranteed if first place Marist wins the tournament).
Check back for more coverage tomorrow as the Stags take on Canisius at Alumni Hall at 1:30.
-Chris Simmons
Friday, February 9, 2007
Fairfield Stags at Manhattan Lady Jaspers
Fairfield (12-11, 8-4 MAAC) vs. Manhattan (7-16, 4-8 MAAC)
This game will be the second time that these teams have met. The last time was a week ago and ended in a 74-61 Manhattan victory.
Tonight’s game will be especially critical for the Stags because they not only need to keep their # 3 seed, but they must also be out for redemption.
Manhattan has not been the favored team in both of the matchups. Fairfield must prove to itself and to the rest of the MAAC that it is not just any contender for the MAAC Tournament, but a top one.
This win will be more crucial for the Stags. With Wrice back and the duo of Groom and Geehan thriving, we should be in for a good game.
-Mary Therese
This game will be the second time that these teams have met. The last time was a week ago and ended in a 74-61 Manhattan victory.
Tonight’s game will be especially critical for the Stags because they not only need to keep their # 3 seed, but they must also be out for redemption.
Manhattan has not been the favored team in both of the matchups. Fairfield must prove to itself and to the rest of the MAAC that it is not just any contender for the MAAC Tournament, but a top one.
This win will be more crucial for the Stags. With Wrice back and the duo of Groom and Geehan thriving, we should be in for a good game.
-Mary Therese
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Practice Update
The Stags have been preparing for their upcoming matchup with Manhattan this Friday at Manhattan. Last Friday, they also played the Lady Jaspers, and were let down with a 74-61 loss.
Head Coach Dianne Nolan talked about the preparation for the rematch.
"We know that last Friday was not our best effort. Defensively, we need to deny them. They were able to beat us in transition last game. "
She remarked that the Stags were looking to push the ball to the outside and make the Jaspers shoot from the arc and not in the lane.
"Offensively, we want to be aggressive, get into the lane, and draw fouls."
Look for the Stags to try to get the ball to Baendu Lowenthal, Stephanie Geehan, Tara Flaherty, Stephanie Cziria, and Shireyll Moore to try to pound the ball inside.
The Stags frontcout has always been important to their sucess and they are looking to utilitize it against the Lady Jaspers.
"We are excited to get back at Manhattan, we've been looking forward to it," said Nolan.
Other Practice Notes:
Sabra Wrice - Practiced with her knee brace she wore earlier in the season. Also, she has a deep bruise on her wrist from the
last Manhattan game. It has swollen up and was bandged up for practice. However, Nolan said that she will not wear it during the game.
Tara Flaherty - Also practiced with bandages on her hand. It has been bothering her all season.
Cara Murphy - Dislocated her pinkie during practice. She was not in pain and seemed proud to show it off to her teammates, who cringed at the sight.
Shireyll Moore - Stayed after practice to shoot some more free throws.
-Chris Simmons
Head Coach Dianne Nolan talked about the preparation for the rematch.
"We know that last Friday was not our best effort. Defensively, we need to deny them. They were able to beat us in transition last game. "
She remarked that the Stags were looking to push the ball to the outside and make the Jaspers shoot from the arc and not in the lane.
"Offensively, we want to be aggressive, get into the lane, and draw fouls."
Look for the Stags to try to get the ball to Baendu Lowenthal, Stephanie Geehan, Tara Flaherty, Stephanie Cziria, and Shireyll Moore to try to pound the ball inside.
The Stags frontcout has always been important to their sucess and they are looking to utilitize it against the Lady Jaspers.
"We are excited to get back at Manhattan, we've been looking forward to it," said Nolan.
Other Practice Notes:
Sabra Wrice - Practiced with her knee brace she wore earlier in the season. Also, she has a deep bruise on her wrist from the
last Manhattan game. It has swollen up and was bandged up for practice. However, Nolan said that she will not wear it during the game.
Tara Flaherty - Also practiced with bandages on her hand. It has been bothering her all season.
Cara Murphy - Dislocated her pinkie during practice. She was not in pain and seemed proud to show it off to her teammates, who cringed at the sight.
Shireyll Moore - Stayed after practice to shoot some more free throws.
-Chris Simmons
Sunday, February 4, 2007
A Preview of the Fairfield vs. Rider Game
The Stags are looking to bounce back after their loss to Manhattan this Friday. The loss snapped their three-game winning streak, but Sunday’s game looks to be in favor of the Stags once more.
The Stags take on Rider at Rider University and will most likely be hungry to get themselves back on track.
Luckily, the Stags have a good history against the Broncs, beating them the last time they met, 77-63. The Broncs currently hold 10th place in the MAAC, while the Stags hold onto the 3rd place seed.
This game will truly be about focus and plan of attack. The Stags need to keep their heads about them and not get too caught up in the game. Wrice will be key to keeping the emotions at a good level.
If the Stags can keep composed, this game is in the basket.
-Mary Therese Church
The Stags take on Rider at Rider University and will most likely be hungry to get themselves back on track.
Luckily, the Stags have a good history against the Broncs, beating them the last time they met, 77-63. The Broncs currently hold 10th place in the MAAC, while the Stags hold onto the 3rd place seed.
This game will truly be about focus and plan of attack. The Stags need to keep their heads about them and not get too caught up in the game. Wrice will be key to keeping the emotions at a good level.
If the Stags can keep composed, this game is in the basket.
-Mary Therese Church
Friday, February 2, 2007
Fairfield vs. Manhattan Game Recap
The women’s basketball team came into Friday’s game against Manhattan looking for a milestone win for the program.
The squad fell just short of notching its 500th win as a program, losing to the Lady Jaspers 74-61. The loss dropped Fairfield’s record to 499-394 in 33 years.
Manhattan put up a fight throughout the first half and was able to go on several runs in the second to put the game out of reach.
Throughout the first half the Stags never had a lead larger than five, which came with the score 20-15, near the midway point of the half.
The Stags allowed the Lady Jaspers to shoot 53 percent from the floor in the first half, while also allowing them to shoot 60 percent from beyond the arc.
Fairfield’s offense played well throughout the first half, though. The team shot 48 percent, but only 22 percent from three-point land. The Stags also turned the ball over ten times in the first half alone.
Despite allowing the Jaspers to stay in the game, Fairfield trailed by only one at the half, 35-34.
The second half was much of the same throughout the first ten minutes when Manhattan led 54-41. However, Fairfield was in the bonus with more than half of the second half remaining, helping the squad to slowly narrow the lead.
Late in the game, a jumper by Baendu Lowenthal ’09 cut Manhattan’s lead to three, the closest Fairfield would get for the rest of the game. After Lowenthal’s bucket, the Lady Jaspers went on an 8-0 run to increase their lead to 11.
The Stags were unable to come back from such a large deficit. Only a late three by Cara Murphy put Fairfield into the sixties to provide the final margin of 74-61.
Despite the loss, the Stags were led by a balanced attack yet again. Nine different players scored a basket in the game, led by junior guard Sabra Wrice, who had 18 points. Yet, it wasn’t good enough as the entire team shot 37 percent from the floor.
Fairfield missed open shots that contributed to the low percentage.
“We turned the ball over and we’re not hitting shots,” said Wrice. “We have turned the ball over before, but we hit our shots.”
Wrice suffered a setback however in the second half, when she was fouled hard and came up clutching her wrist. She returned nonetheless and said that the wrist was not going to keep her out.
“It’s fine. I just hurt it real quick. It won’t keep me out on Sunday,” she said.
Overall, the Stags played sloppy defense, allowing Manhattan to shoot 57 percent from the floor.
“I was disappointed,” said Head Coach Dianne Nolan.
“We pride ourselves on our defense and it just looked like we were out of sorts. We were doing things that we haven’t done in a long time. We left our feet, didn’t stay on the ground, didn’t rotate, didn’t find people early enough. Just fundamentally not good.”
The Stags lost despite out-rebounding Manhattan 33-27. Nolan agreed that Fairfield played well on the boards, but remarked that the team didn’t shoot or play defense well enough to win.
The loss drops the Stags to 11-11 overall and 7-4 in the MAAC. However, due to Loyola’s loss earlier to Canisius, the Stags will remain in third place based on their season sweep of the Greyhounds.
Next up for the Stags is Rider in New Jersey on Sunday.
-Chris Simmons
The squad fell just short of notching its 500th win as a program, losing to the Lady Jaspers 74-61. The loss dropped Fairfield’s record to 499-394 in 33 years.
Manhattan put up a fight throughout the first half and was able to go on several runs in the second to put the game out of reach.
Throughout the first half the Stags never had a lead larger than five, which came with the score 20-15, near the midway point of the half.
The Stags allowed the Lady Jaspers to shoot 53 percent from the floor in the first half, while also allowing them to shoot 60 percent from beyond the arc.
Fairfield’s offense played well throughout the first half, though. The team shot 48 percent, but only 22 percent from three-point land. The Stags also turned the ball over ten times in the first half alone.
Despite allowing the Jaspers to stay in the game, Fairfield trailed by only one at the half, 35-34.
The second half was much of the same throughout the first ten minutes when Manhattan led 54-41. However, Fairfield was in the bonus with more than half of the second half remaining, helping the squad to slowly narrow the lead.
Late in the game, a jumper by Baendu Lowenthal ’09 cut Manhattan’s lead to three, the closest Fairfield would get for the rest of the game. After Lowenthal’s bucket, the Lady Jaspers went on an 8-0 run to increase their lead to 11.
The Stags were unable to come back from such a large deficit. Only a late three by Cara Murphy put Fairfield into the sixties to provide the final margin of 74-61.
Despite the loss, the Stags were led by a balanced attack yet again. Nine different players scored a basket in the game, led by junior guard Sabra Wrice, who had 18 points. Yet, it wasn’t good enough as the entire team shot 37 percent from the floor.
Fairfield missed open shots that contributed to the low percentage.
“We turned the ball over and we’re not hitting shots,” said Wrice. “We have turned the ball over before, but we hit our shots.”
Wrice suffered a setback however in the second half, when she was fouled hard and came up clutching her wrist. She returned nonetheless and said that the wrist was not going to keep her out.
“It’s fine. I just hurt it real quick. It won’t keep me out on Sunday,” she said.
Overall, the Stags played sloppy defense, allowing Manhattan to shoot 57 percent from the floor.
“I was disappointed,” said Head Coach Dianne Nolan.
“We pride ourselves on our defense and it just looked like we were out of sorts. We were doing things that we haven’t done in a long time. We left our feet, didn’t stay on the ground, didn’t rotate, didn’t find people early enough. Just fundamentally not good.”
The Stags lost despite out-rebounding Manhattan 33-27. Nolan agreed that Fairfield played well on the boards, but remarked that the team didn’t shoot or play defense well enough to win.
The loss drops the Stags to 11-11 overall and 7-4 in the MAAC. However, due to Loyola’s loss earlier to Canisius, the Stags will remain in third place based on their season sweep of the Greyhounds.
Next up for the Stags is Rider in New Jersey on Sunday.
-Chris Simmons
3:39 MAN 66, FU 55
Manhattan has been able to keep their lead so far and time is running out for the Stags. They are going to need to get something going soon.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
5:00 MAN 64, FU 53
After a Baendu Lowenthal shot to narrow the lead to 56-53, Manhattan went on a 8-0 run to increase their lead to 11.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
8:30 MAN 56, FU 51
Sabra Wrice steals it, takes it down, makes the layup, draws the foul, and sinks the foul shot.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
8:50 MAN 56, FU 48
Fairfield was down by 13 only a few minutes ago, but they are slowly chipping away at the lead. They are helped by being in the bonus already, and have shot five one and ones in the past few minutes.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
12:46 MAN 54, FU 41
This game is just getting hard to watch. But, the good news is that Sabra Wrice has returned.
However, on a more personal note, I have about 4-10 shrieking girls behind me. I'm not sure the exact number because my ears have been pierced by their incessant screams. I don't know how much longer I can take it.
-Chris Simmons
However, on a more personal note, I have about 4-10 shrieking girls behind me. I'm not sure the exact number because my ears have been pierced by their incessant screams. I don't know how much longer I can take it.
-Chris Simmons
15:19 MAN 47, FU 40
Manhattan had their largest lead of the game with a 47-38 advantage. However, Baendu Lowenthal hit a long jumper to pull the team within seven.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
17:15 MAN 43, FU 38
A big blow to Fairfield. Sabra Wrice was driving and fouled hard. She went down and came up clutching her wrist. Cara Murphy subbed in for her and made one of the two foul shots. Manhattan is starting to pull away, exactly what the Stags were supossed to do.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
Halftime Report: MAN 35, FU 34
Fairfield held the lead for much of the first half, however, Manhattan used a late run to take the lead. Fairfield held the lead 34-33 late, but the Jaspers hit a layup with about six seconds left to take the lead and go up by one.
Sabra Wrice has eight points at the half while the rest of the Stags have also contributed as has been the case in most of their games this year. Nine players have scored so far for the Stags. Their offense is shooting 48 percent from the floor, but only 22 percent from behind the arc.
However, the Stags need to buckled down on defense. They are allowing the Lady Jaspers to shoot 53 percent from the floor and 60 percent in three pointers.
Fairfield is also out rebounding Manhattan by six, 17-11. However, the Stags have turned the ball over ten times to the Jasper's eight.
If Fairfield plays to its potential they should come back and pull out their 500th win as a program.
-Chris Simmons
Sabra Wrice has eight points at the half while the rest of the Stags have also contributed as has been the case in most of their games this year. Nine players have scored so far for the Stags. Their offense is shooting 48 percent from the floor, but only 22 percent from behind the arc.
However, the Stags need to buckled down on defense. They are allowing the Lady Jaspers to shoot 53 percent from the floor and 60 percent in three pointers.
Fairfield is also out rebounding Manhattan by six, 17-11. However, the Stags have turned the ball over ten times to the Jasper's eight.
If Fairfield plays to its potential they should come back and pull out their 500th win as a program.
-Chris Simmons
1:55 MAN 31, FU 28
Manhattan has taken the lead. The Lady Jaspers have gone on a 8-0 run.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
2:46 FU 28, MAN 26
The Lady Jaspers come right back and hit a three to cut the Stags' lead to two. The Stags have had their chances and they are going to need to start to pull away soon.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
3:13 FU 28, MAN 23
Fairfield has stretched their lead to five on two three point plays. Cara Murphy and Shireyll Moore both hit threes to help the Stags keep their lead.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
7:27 FU 22, MAN 19
Fairfield should be winning this game by much more, but Manhattan has been able to keep it close with some well timed shots and Fairfield's own sometimes sloppy play.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Practice Update
The women practice again today in preparation for their game tomorrow in Alumni Hall at 7 against Manhattan.
Sabra Wrice '08 and Jill Fiascki '09 were given the day off on Wednesday because both were sick and needed a day off to help recover. Both practiced today.
Head Coach Dianne Nolan explained what the team worked on for tomorrow: "We worked on our system to beat Manhattan. We watched a scout tape, went through their sets, personnel and match ups. We then went through our daily drills of shooting, rebounding and defense. We especially worked on defending inside, rebounding and busting the ball down the floor."
She also remarked that the players had a good practice and were very focused for tomorrow's game. (See Mary Therese's preview of the game below).
-Chris Simmons
Sabra Wrice '08 and Jill Fiascki '09 were given the day off on Wednesday because both were sick and needed a day off to help recover. Both practiced today.
Head Coach Dianne Nolan explained what the team worked on for tomorrow: "We worked on our system to beat Manhattan. We watched a scout tape, went through their sets, personnel and match ups. We then went through our daily drills of shooting, rebounding and defense. We especially worked on defending inside, rebounding and busting the ball down the floor."
She also remarked that the players had a good practice and were very focused for tomorrow's game. (See Mary Therese's preview of the game below).
-Chris Simmons
A Preview of the Fairfield vs. Manhattan Game
This Friday night, Fairfield takes on MAAC foe Manhattan College at Alumni Hall at 7 p.m.
Fairfield is coming off of a three-game MAAC winning streak after defeating Loyola College last week. This puts the squad in third place in the MAAC, right behind Iona College.
Manhattan currently holds the eighth place mark in the MAAC with a 3-7 record and a 6-15 record overall.
After a big win against Loyola, Fairfield will still be on a winning high and I don’t think the plan is to let that go. With Sabra Wrice getting MAAC basketball honors for the week, the Stags are ready to rumble on home court advantage.
This is the first match up between these teams for the season, so the expectations are high for both. Each wants to prove itself to the other, since neither has established dominance.
Keys to success for the Stags will be Wrice and the duo of Stephanie Geehan and Lauren Groom. Wrice must continue her leadership on the court. New additions Geehan and Groom give the Stags the upper hand in this match up.
On a side note, the Stags are having a non-perishable food donation on Friday. Fans who bring an item will be given a complimentary ticket; the first 500 fans will receive a mouse pad.
-Mary Therese
Fairfield is coming off of a three-game MAAC winning streak after defeating Loyola College last week. This puts the squad in third place in the MAAC, right behind Iona College.
Manhattan currently holds the eighth place mark in the MAAC with a 3-7 record and a 6-15 record overall.
After a big win against Loyola, Fairfield will still be on a winning high and I don’t think the plan is to let that go. With Sabra Wrice getting MAAC basketball honors for the week, the Stags are ready to rumble on home court advantage.
This is the first match up between these teams for the season, so the expectations are high for both. Each wants to prove itself to the other, since neither has established dominance.
Keys to success for the Stags will be Wrice and the duo of Stephanie Geehan and Lauren Groom. Wrice must continue her leadership on the court. New additions Geehan and Groom give the Stags the upper hand in this match up.
On a side note, the Stags are having a non-perishable food donation on Friday. Fans who bring an item will be given a complimentary ticket; the first 500 fans will receive a mouse pad.
-Mary Therese
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Practice Update Update
After leaving practice when Nolan sent the players into the locker room, I assumed they were done until 10:00 tonight when Nolan had told them to return.
However, Nolan said, "The players came out from the locker room and begged to let them continue to practice. I answered just this time. It went very smoothly. The players did a good job during that segment. Need to keep them focused and fresh."
So, the players took charge and went out and played, a better sign than having them wait around until 10:00.
-Chris Simmons
However, Nolan said, "The players came out from the locker room and begged to let them continue to practice. I answered just this time. It went very smoothly. The players did a good job during that segment. Need to keep them focused and fresh."
So, the players took charge and went out and played, a better sign than having them wait around until 10:00.
-Chris Simmons
Practice Update
Head Coach Dianne Nolan was not pleased with the way things went this afternoon at practice.
I walked in around 3 after my last class, and Nolan had the players huddle up. Although it was hard to hear every word, she was obviously not happy with the way practice had been going and felt that they players needed to put forth their best efforts and show a little more hustle.
A half-hour later, after more of the same type of play, she told everyone to go home. The pratice was supossed to last two and a half hours, but it was cut short an hour.
Sabra Wrice '08 and Jill Fiascki '09 did not dress for practice today.
-Chris Simmons
I walked in around 3 after my last class, and Nolan had the players huddle up. Although it was hard to hear every word, she was obviously not happy with the way practice had been going and felt that they players needed to put forth their best efforts and show a little more hustle.
A half-hour later, after more of the same type of play, she told everyone to go home. The pratice was supossed to last two and a half hours, but it was cut short an hour.
Sabra Wrice '08 and Jill Fiascki '09 did not dress for practice today.
-Chris Simmons
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Post Game Press Conference
Head Coach Dianne Nolan (Opening Statement): “I thought we did what we need to do. We knew this was going to be kind of a grind it out game, the second game of a weekend. They like to play a half-court game. They hadn’t lost since we had beaten them before in December. We knew it was a fight for second or third. So we though it would be a grind it out game. We turned the ball over a couple more times than I would have liked. I though we shot the ball, shared the ball, I though our defense was pretty good.”
Nolan (On the Importance of the Frontcourt): “It’s huge. We talke about our frontcourt being played by committee.. You’ve got Steph Cziria, Tara Flaherty, Steph Geehan, B, and Shireyll is an undersized post. They just keep banging in there. We can wear on people because we can bring someone in off the bench who can contribute. And Steph Geehan has such long arms. She gets her hands up and blocks and rebounds and thery’e concentrating so much on Baendu that it allows her a little bit of space. We don’t have to rely on only a few people. You can’t run with out rebounds and that’s what we like to do”
Sabra Wrice (On the Importance of doing the little things): “Every day at practice we say it’s the little steps we take on defensive slides. The little things add up to be things which equal a win for us.”
Wrice (On Defense): “Defense is very important to us. We feel like everything starts from the defensive end. We get a stop and it helps us to focus on our offense more because we just got a stop.”
Nolan (On Holding Loyola and Glessner): “I thought that was big. We knew they were going to go into her. But, [Sholokhova] was leading scorer against Iona most recently. She’s a transfer from Pittsburgh that wasn’t eligible until the second semester. We we’re actually more concerned with her. I thought Glessner was going to get her points and sometimes somebody else goes off. I thought our kids read each other very well on the defensive slides in our zone. I thought they couldn’t find openings at times. They knew were the shooters were and they rotated out on them.”
Nolan (On beating Loyola): “I thought that was real big. We’re all fighting for seeds right now in the tournament. A seed can really sway one thing or another since they all depend on match-ups. Now having beaten them twice and tiebreakers down the stretch are going to be really important. It’s nice when you can beat somebody twice because it gives you more confidence depending on who you see in the tournament. They’ve got a lot of respect in the league and this is just going to help us in March.
Wrice (On two big games back-to-back): “Coach tells me that I’ve got to score and do all the little things that help us win. Go out there and play hard everytime and everybody feeds off one another. So if they see me play hard, everyone else is going to play hard. And I see someone playing hard, I’m goning to play hard. A big game for me is a big game for everyone on the team because we all feed off each other.”
Nolan (On Wrice): “Sabra is a scorer and we need her to do that. The last two games her shooting percentage has been where it should be. A scorer takes a lot of pressure off other people.”
Nolan (On the team's depth): ”Its huge. That’s what we just talked about in the locker room. We can wear on people. I don’t think too many teams in the conference have the 10, 11 people that we have, they’re interchangeable. If someone needs a rest, or any match-ups, depending on the night they’re having. I think everyone comes in and can contribute. You can see the look on people’s faces, it’s that tired look. You know, here comes another kid that they know can do something out on the floor. It’s a long season. And when you’ve got to play Friday, Sunday I think it’s huge. You know the schedule, is set up, you don’t have a lot of downtime between games. I think that really plays into our strength. I thought Loyola at times; we wanted to run them because I didn’t think they could keep up.
-Chris Simmons
Nolan (On the Importance of the Frontcourt): “It’s huge. We talke about our frontcourt being played by committee.. You’ve got Steph Cziria, Tara Flaherty, Steph Geehan, B, and Shireyll is an undersized post. They just keep banging in there. We can wear on people because we can bring someone in off the bench who can contribute. And Steph Geehan has such long arms. She gets her hands up and blocks and rebounds and thery’e concentrating so much on Baendu that it allows her a little bit of space. We don’t have to rely on only a few people. You can’t run with out rebounds and that’s what we like to do”
Sabra Wrice (On the Importance of doing the little things): “Every day at practice we say it’s the little steps we take on defensive slides. The little things add up to be things which equal a win for us.”
Wrice (On Defense): “Defense is very important to us. We feel like everything starts from the defensive end. We get a stop and it helps us to focus on our offense more because we just got a stop.”
Nolan (On Holding Loyola and Glessner): “I thought that was big. We knew they were going to go into her. But, [Sholokhova] was leading scorer against Iona most recently. She’s a transfer from Pittsburgh that wasn’t eligible until the second semester. We we’re actually more concerned with her. I thought Glessner was going to get her points and sometimes somebody else goes off. I thought our kids read each other very well on the defensive slides in our zone. I thought they couldn’t find openings at times. They knew were the shooters were and they rotated out on them.”
Nolan (On beating Loyola): “I thought that was real big. We’re all fighting for seeds right now in the tournament. A seed can really sway one thing or another since they all depend on match-ups. Now having beaten them twice and tiebreakers down the stretch are going to be really important. It’s nice when you can beat somebody twice because it gives you more confidence depending on who you see in the tournament. They’ve got a lot of respect in the league and this is just going to help us in March.
Wrice (On two big games back-to-back): “Coach tells me that I’ve got to score and do all the little things that help us win. Go out there and play hard everytime and everybody feeds off one another. So if they see me play hard, everyone else is going to play hard. And I see someone playing hard, I’m goning to play hard. A big game for me is a big game for everyone on the team because we all feed off each other.”
Nolan (On Wrice): “Sabra is a scorer and we need her to do that. The last two games her shooting percentage has been where it should be. A scorer takes a lot of pressure off other people.”
Nolan (On the team's depth): ”Its huge. That’s what we just talked about in the locker room. We can wear on people. I don’t think too many teams in the conference have the 10, 11 people that we have, they’re interchangeable. If someone needs a rest, or any match-ups, depending on the night they’re having. I think everyone comes in and can contribute. You can see the look on people’s faces, it’s that tired look. You know, here comes another kid that they know can do something out on the floor. It’s a long season. And when you’ve got to play Friday, Sunday I think it’s huge. You know the schedule, is set up, you don’t have a lot of downtime between games. I think that really plays into our strength. I thought Loyola at times; we wanted to run them because I didn’t think they could keep up.
-Chris Simmons
Final Score FU 63, LOY 51
Check back later for more info both here and on fairfieldmirror.com
-Sabra goes up hard again and makes the shot while drawing the foul. She misses the foul shot though.
-Sabra again lays it in.
-Loyola is beginning to foul as the Stags are pulling away. Wrice misses the front end.
-Lauren Groom is fouled by Jill Glessner and now goes to the line for a one and one. She nails the front end and hits the back as well.
-Chris Simmons
-Sabra goes up hard again and makes the shot while drawing the foul. She misses the foul shot though.
-Sabra again lays it in.
-Loyola is beginning to foul as the Stags are pulling away. Wrice misses the front end.
-Lauren Groom is fouled by Jill Glessner and now goes to the line for a one and one. She nails the front end and hits the back as well.
-Chris Simmons
2:15 FU 57, LOY 45
-Loyola College timeout.
-Sabra steals the ball and lays it in again.
-Sabra drives and lays the ball in off of a finger-roll.
-Sabra is called for the foul as the crowd voices their displeasure.
-Baendu hits a jumper after the Stags grab an offensive rebound to drain nearly a minute off the clock.
-Chris Simmons
-Sabra steals the ball and lays it in again.
-Sabra drives and lays the ball in off of a finger-roll.
-Sabra is called for the foul as the crowd voices their displeasure.
-Baendu hits a jumper after the Stags grab an offensive rebound to drain nearly a minute off the clock.
-Chris Simmons
3:59 FU 51, LOY 43
-Loyola has gone to full court pressure to try to trap the Stags. If the Stags can beat it, they could break this game open. However, if it suceeds, Loyola could mount a comeback.
-Glessner is fouled in a scramble for the ball and makes both.
-Dunn is fouled and goes to the line for the one and one. Sabra Wrice checks in for Meka Werts. Dunn hits both free thros.
-Baendu lays it in underneath for two, then draws the charge on the other end.
-Glessner is open for the long jumper for two, giving her 10 for the game.
-Chris Simmons
-Glessner is fouled in a scramble for the ball and makes both.
-Dunn is fouled and goes to the line for the one and one. Sabra Wrice checks in for Meka Werts. Dunn hits both free thros.
-Baendu lays it in underneath for two, then draws the charge on the other end.
-Glessner is open for the long jumper for two, giving her 10 for the game.
-Chris Simmons
6:30 FU 49, LOY 37
-Sholokhova again scores in the paint.
-Baendu hits another short jumper that kisses the rim then drops in.
-Sholokhova works it down low and puts it in.
-Shiryll Moore banks in a shot.
-Glessner hits a layup on the fastbreak after a Stag turnover.
-Geehan fouls Sholokhova, giving the Stags seven fouls and putting Loyola in the bonus with over eight minutes remaining.
-Chris Simmons
-Baendu hits another short jumper that kisses the rim then drops in.
-Sholokhova works it down low and puts it in.
-Shiryll Moore banks in a shot.
-Glessner hits a layup on the fastbreak after a Stag turnover.
-Geehan fouls Sholokhova, giving the Stags seven fouls and putting Loyola in the bonus with over eight minutes remaining.
-Chris Simmons
8:56 FU 45, LOY 30
-Loyola timeout.
-Lauren Groom hits a three.
-Cara Murphy drives as well and hits the layup.
-Stephanie Geehan checks in for Stephanie Cziria.
-Sabra drives to the basket and hits another layup.
-Lauren Groom checks in for Meka Werts after the foul on Ruffin, who misses her second free throw.
-Glessner hits a bucket.
-Baendu hits a turnaround jumper following a Loyola bucket.
-Chris Simmons
-Lauren Groom hits a three.
-Cara Murphy drives as well and hits the layup.
-Stephanie Geehan checks in for Stephanie Cziria.
-Sabra drives to the basket and hits another layup.
-Lauren Groom checks in for Meka Werts after the foul on Ruffin, who misses her second free throw.
-Glessner hits a bucket.
-Baendu hits a turnaround jumper following a Loyola bucket.
-Chris Simmons
12:52 FU 36, LOY 25
-Loyola College timeout.
-Sabra hits the jumper after Baendu grabs the offensive rebound.
-Stephanie Cziria with the foul on Dunn. Baendu and Meka check in for Groom and Geehan. Dunn misses both and Baendu grabs the rebound.
-Shot clock violation on Loyola.
-Sabra comes up with the steal and makes the layup off the fast break.
-Chris Simmons
-Sabra hits the jumper after Baendu grabs the offensive rebound.
-Stephanie Cziria with the foul on Dunn. Baendu and Meka check in for Groom and Geehan. Dunn misses both and Baendu grabs the rebound.
-Shot clock violation on Loyola.
-Sabra comes up with the steal and makes the layup off the fast break.
-Chris Simmons
15:14 FU 32, LOY 25
-Stephanie Cziria, Sabra Wrice, and Cara Murphy all check in.
-Wood drives and makes a layup to bring Loyola back to within seven.
-Baendu drives and draws the foul.
-Meka Werts nails the three.
-Chris Simmons
-Wood drives and makes a layup to bring Loyola back to within seven.
-Baendu drives and draws the foul.
-Meka Werts nails the three.
-Chris Simmons
17:35 FU 29, LOY 23
-Nothing else really exciting is happening. I did eat a cookie that Keith brought me though.
-Groom hits a deep jumper after Glessner misses an easy layup.
-Chris Simmons
-Groom hits a deep jumper after Glessner misses an easy layup.
-Chris Simmons
Halftime Report: FU 27, LOY 21
Fairfield has been struggling offensively throughout the first half. Yet, they have had a lead as large as 10 at one point due mainly to their strong defesive effort. The Stags have done well containing Loyola's Jill Glessner, the league's second leading scorer. At the half, she only has four points.
Stephanie Cziria is leading the Stags with seven points. If Fairfield can keep pounding the ball down low and grabbing rebounds, the Stags should be in good position to hang for the win.
-Chris Simmons
Stephanie Cziria is leading the Stags with seven points. If Fairfield can keep pounding the ball down low and grabbing rebounds, the Stags should be in good position to hang for the win.
-Chris Simmons
Halftime Report: FU 27, LOY 21
Fairfield has been struggling offensively throughout the first half. Yet, they have had a lead as large as 10 at one point due mainly to their strong defesive effort. The Stags have done well containing Loyola's Jill Glessner, the league's second leading scorer. At the half, she only has four points.
Stephanie Geehan is leading the Stags with six points. If Fairfield can keep pounding the ball down low and grabbing rebounds, the Stags should be in good position to hang for the win.
-Chris Simmons
Stephanie Geehan is leading the Stags with six points. If Fairfield can keep pounding the ball down low and grabbing rebounds, the Stags should be in good position to hang for the win.
-Chris Simmons
3:58 FU 25, LOY 17
-After a Caskin block, Meka lays it up on the fastbreak.
-After getting stuffed, Meka finds Stephanie Geehan who hits the short jumper.
-Wood is fouled by Caskin and goes to the line where she hits both.
-Glessner drives and draws the foul from Sabra Wrice.
-Chris Simmons
-After getting stuffed, Meka finds Stephanie Geehan who hits the short jumper.
-Wood is fouled by Caskin and goes to the line where she hits both.
-Glessner drives and draws the foul from Sabra Wrice.
-Chris Simmons
5:52 FU 21, LOY 15
-Loyola College Timeout.
-Cziria makes a nice pass to Stephanie Geehan underneath the basket, who then banks it in.
-Cziria hits another short jumper.
-Chris Simmons
-Cziria makes a nice pass to Stephanie Geehan underneath the basket, who then banks it in.
-Cziria hits another short jumper.
-Chris Simmons
7:54 FU 17, LOY 13
-Cziria hits another and is fouled on the play. She hits the free throw for the old fashioned three point play.
-Caskin checks back in for Murphy.
-Another jump ball, this time its going to the Stags.
-The ball is tied up, Loyola retains possesion.
-But, Loyola comes right back hitting two consecutive shots to come within one point.
-Stephanie Cziria hits a nifty layup underneath the basket.
-Fairfield is really struggling on offense, but luckily Loyola isn't doing much better.
-Chris Simmons
-Caskin checks back in for Murphy.
-Another jump ball, this time its going to the Stags.
-The ball is tied up, Loyola retains possesion.
-But, Loyola comes right back hitting two consecutive shots to come within one point.
-Stephanie Cziria hits a nifty layup underneath the basket.
-Fairfield is really struggling on offense, but luckily Loyola isn't doing much better.
-Chris Simmons
10:26 FU 12, LOY 9
-Fairfield timeout.
-Wood hits a short hook shot to bring Loyola back within three.
-Flaherty grabs the rebound after the Loyola miss, then on the other end dives for a loose ball to keep possesion.
-Loyola turns it over off of the inbounds pass.
-Chris Simmons
-Wood hits a short hook shot to bring Loyola back within three.
-Flaherty grabs the rebound after the Loyola miss, then on the other end dives for a loose ball to keep possesion.
-Loyola turns it over off of the inbounds pass.
-Chris Simmons
11:54 1st FU 12, LOY 7
-Tara Flaherty and Sabra Wrice check in for Lauren Groom and Stephanie Geehan.
-Glessner is helped by a soft rim as her jumper falls.
-Meka hits a three.
-Cara Murphy checks in for Megan Caskin.
-Caskin comes up with the steal and brings it down the court.
-Groom misses a long jumper, but Baendu grabs the rebound and puts it in for two.
-Meka Werts checks in for Sabra Wrice.
-Caskin throws up an ugly shot and going down the court, Lauren Groom fouls Brittany Dunn, who only the second.
-Jill Glessner fouls Sabra Wrice, who goes to the line for two. After missing the first, Wrice hits the second.
-Sabra drvies and throws it into the basket.
-Loyola is called for blocking, resetting the shot clock for the Stags.
-Chris Simmons
-Glessner is helped by a soft rim as her jumper falls.
-Meka hits a three.
-Cara Murphy checks in for Megan Caskin.
-Caskin comes up with the steal and brings it down the court.
-Groom misses a long jumper, but Baendu grabs the rebound and puts it in for two.
-Meka Werts checks in for Sabra Wrice.
-Caskin throws up an ugly shot and going down the court, Lauren Groom fouls Brittany Dunn, who only the second.
-Jill Glessner fouls Sabra Wrice, who goes to the line for two. After missing the first, Wrice hits the second.
-Sabra drvies and throws it into the basket.
-Loyola is called for blocking, resetting the shot clock for the Stags.
-Chris Simmons
15:40 1st Half, FU 4, LOY 4
-After a Glessner miss, the ball goes out of bounds and back to the Stags.
-Stephanie Geehan hits the shot to even the score.
-After a Loyola miss, Sabra Wrice grabs the rebound and is fouled going down the court.
-Groom misses underneath the basket.
-Glessner nails a short jumper.
-Chris Simmons
-Stephanie Geehan hits the shot to even the score.
-After a Loyola miss, Sabra Wrice grabs the rebound and is fouled going down the court.
-Groom misses underneath the basket.
-Glessner nails a short jumper.
-Chris Simmons
17:15 1st Half, FU 2 LOY 2
Loyola timeout.
Loyola is forced out of bounds, Stags ball.
Lauren Groom hits a turnaround jumper with the shot clock winding down.
Loyola hits a deep jumper for two.
Glessner drives, but is blocked.
The Stags control the opening tip, but turn it over.
-Chris Simmons
Loyola is forced out of bounds, Stags ball.
Lauren Groom hits a turnaround jumper with the shot clock winding down.
Loyola hits a deep jumper for two.
Glessner drives, but is blocked.
The Stags control the opening tip, but turn it over.
-Chris Simmons
A preview of the Fairfield vs. Loyola game
The Stags are really gelling now, on both offense and defense.
They must keep up the stellar play when they take on third-ranked Loyola on Sunday afternoon.
While Fairfield lost to Loyola in the first matchup, that was several weeks ago.
In that time, Stephanie Geehan and Lauren Groom have really stepped up, complementing an already strong group of players.
If Fairfield continues to do the lots of little things it does right, such as rebounding, passing and transitioning, it will be in great shape.
-Frank Romano
They must keep up the stellar play when they take on third-ranked Loyola on Sunday afternoon.
While Fairfield lost to Loyola in the first matchup, that was several weeks ago.
In that time, Stephanie Geehan and Lauren Groom have really stepped up, complementing an already strong group of players.
If Fairfield continues to do the lots of little things it does right, such as rebounding, passing and transitioning, it will be in great shape.
-Frank Romano
A preview of the Fairfield vs. Niagara game
This Sunday, Fairfield must close out its three-game homestand with authority.
The Stags have a chance to win their fifth straight game and if they play like they have the last several games, they’ll be in great shape.
Fairfield must continue to get contributions from up and down the lineup.
Fairfield’s bench has been just about as productive — offensively and defensively— as its starting five.
To come away with win # 5 however, the Stags cannot afford to go cold on offense for minutes at a clip. In the opening half of Friday’s game against Saint Peter’s, Fairfield did just that, allowing the Peacocks to stay in contention.
They must play strong for 40 solid minutes.
-Frank Romano
The Stags have a chance to win their fifth straight game and if they play like they have the last several games, they’ll be in great shape.
Fairfield must continue to get contributions from up and down the lineup.
Fairfield’s bench has been just about as productive — offensively and defensively— as its starting five.
To come away with win # 5 however, the Stags cannot afford to go cold on offense for minutes at a clip. In the opening half of Friday’s game against Saint Peter’s, Fairfield did just that, allowing the Peacocks to stay in contention.
They must play strong for 40 solid minutes.
-Frank Romano
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Pictures From Win Over Niagara
Make sure to check back during (actually during) tomorrow's games for more (and better!) exclusive photos.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
On Women's Basketball Game vs. Niagara
The win improves the Stags to 10-10 overall and 6-3 in the MAAC.
The Stag's offense had a big game, with five different players scoring in double-digits. Sophomores Lauren Groom, Baendu Lowenthal, Juniors Sabra Wrice, Meka Werts, and Freshman Stephanie Geehan all reached double figures. The Stags are currently undefeated when scoring over 70 points in a game.
Fairfield outrebounded the Purple Eagles as well. Rebounding is key to the Stags' gameplan, it gives them a transition game after a defensive rebound, while also giving the more chances on the offensive end. Fairfield scored 26 second chance points while limiting Niagara to eight.
And with Loyola beating Iona on Thursday, Fairfield has a chance to get the number two seed going into the MAAC tournament.
Here are the current MAAC Standings:
1. Marist 9-0
2. Loyola 7-2
3. Iona 7-2
4. Fairfield 6-3
Fairfield has lost to both Iona and Marist, but beat Loyola in Baltimore earlier in the season. Sunday at 4:30 in Bridgeport, the Stags take on the Greyhounds again. A win would put Fairfield in third place, with an eye on second.
-Chris Simmons
The Stag's offense had a big game, with five different players scoring in double-digits. Sophomores Lauren Groom, Baendu Lowenthal, Juniors Sabra Wrice, Meka Werts, and Freshman Stephanie Geehan all reached double figures. The Stags are currently undefeated when scoring over 70 points in a game.
Fairfield outrebounded the Purple Eagles as well. Rebounding is key to the Stags' gameplan, it gives them a transition game after a defensive rebound, while also giving the more chances on the offensive end. Fairfield scored 26 second chance points while limiting Niagara to eight.
And with Loyola beating Iona on Thursday, Fairfield has a chance to get the number two seed going into the MAAC tournament.
Here are the current MAAC Standings:
1. Marist 9-0
2. Loyola 7-2
3. Iona 7-2
4. Fairfield 6-3
Fairfield has lost to both Iona and Marist, but beat Loyola in Baltimore earlier in the season. Sunday at 4:30 in Bridgeport, the Stags take on the Greyhounds again. A win would put Fairfield in third place, with an eye on second.
-Chris Simmons
Friday, January 26, 2007
Post Game Press Conference:
Head Coach Dianne Nolan (opening statement): "I thought the kids came out very focused. I feel it was a dangerous opponent. We beat them up in their place for their first home loss. I'm sure it was a date circled on their calenders. I thought our kids played focused and shared the basketball and made some plays. And I thought defensive certainly the second half we did what we needed to do. I was very happy with the focus in there. Obviously the lady next to me [Sabra Wrice] had a lot to do with that. And she was a little sick today. Maybe we should get you sick more often."
Nolan (on the balanced offense): "We went through a stretch where our offense was stagnant. So we went out with a few different looks to move the players, move the basketball. And it helped us today instead of trying to create off the first pass, we tried to emphasize moving it, and I thought the players did a good job of that, made the pass to the person who should get it and that person made the bucket."
Junior guard/captain Sabra Wrice (on her season-high 23 points): "I just practiced moving to the ball. That's what we did with the guards, position shooting. We just practiced coming to the ball, curling to it. It helped me get into a rhythm, so when I'm shooting, I'm already in position to shoot and make the shot."
Nolan (on the importance of the win): "Huge. We've been fighting and fighting and certainly our MAAC record is something you want to get up there. And this does that. And its the product of the hard work of these players."
Nolan (on catching the current #2 seed Loyola): "We'll you know, we beat them down there. They're on a roll right now, they've just won six straight. But, it's always a battle against them. But, we match up very well against them. It's a team that we need to beat right now to keep moving up the rankings."
Wrice (on her knee brace): "Well, I had been playing with [it], but I have been practicing without it and it's been getting stronger so I don't need it anymore."
-Chris Simmons
Nolan (on the balanced offense): "We went through a stretch where our offense was stagnant. So we went out with a few different looks to move the players, move the basketball. And it helped us today instead of trying to create off the first pass, we tried to emphasize moving it, and I thought the players did a good job of that, made the pass to the person who should get it and that person made the bucket."
Junior guard/captain Sabra Wrice (on her season-high 23 points): "I just practiced moving to the ball. That's what we did with the guards, position shooting. We just practiced coming to the ball, curling to it. It helped me get into a rhythm, so when I'm shooting, I'm already in position to shoot and make the shot."
Nolan (on the importance of the win): "Huge. We've been fighting and fighting and certainly our MAAC record is something you want to get up there. And this does that. And its the product of the hard work of these players."
Nolan (on catching the current #2 seed Loyola): "We'll you know, we beat them down there. They're on a roll right now, they've just won six straight. But, it's always a battle against them. But, we match up very well against them. It's a team that we need to beat right now to keep moving up the rankings."
Wrice (on her knee brace): "Well, I had been playing with [it], but I have been practicing without it and it's been getting stronger so I don't need it anymore."
-Chris Simmons
2:52 FU 79, NU 66
After Shireyll Moore nailed two free throws, Sabra Wrice stole the inbounds pass underneath the basket, leading to another easy layup. Wrice now has a game-high 23 points.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
3:47 FU 72, NU 64
After stretching the lead to 13 on three points by Sabra Wrice, the Stags have allowed the Purple Eagles to climb back into the game. Niagara has been on a 7-0 run in the last few minutes. With nearly four minutes to play, this game is still in doubt and could go either way. The Stags need to buckle down here and force a stop to hold onto their lead.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
7:56 FU 67, NU 53
Baendu Lowenthal went up hard for the two and completed the old-fashioned three point play after sinking the foul shot. The Stags have again stretched their lead.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
8:40 FU 64, NU 51
After being down by 18, Niagara has cut the lead again with some timely three's.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
11:19 FU 62, NU 46
Fairfield has gone on a 5-0 mini-run in the last few minutes. Meka Werts hit her second three of the game, giving her 10 total up to this point. Sabra Wrice still leads the Stags with 13, all of which came in the first half. Once again, the Stags are getting balanced scoring from each position.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
12:54, FU 56, NU 46
Cara Murphy cut under the basket to draw a foul and increase the Stags' lead to 10.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
3:43, FU 35, NU 29
Stephanie Geehan hit two free throws while Lauren Groom added a jumper to help the Stags keep the lead. However, Niagara has been getting some open looks as well from behind the arc. Coach Nolan could be heard imploring Megan Caskin to get the ball to Baendu Lowenthal in the post and to take advantage of the Stags' frontcourt strength.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
6:11 FU 31, NU 26
Stephanie Geehan hit a jumper, then followed it up with a one-legged pass to a streaking Lauren Groom for the easy layup. However, Niagara has been deadly from downtown so far, allowing the Purple Eagels to stay in the game by racking up points quickly.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
10:26, Fairfield 22, Niagara 16
Shireyll Moore drove to the lane for an old-fashioned three point play. On Niagara's next possession, Wrice harassed the Purple Eagles' point guard, allowing Meka Werts to come up with the steal and the layup on the other end.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
11:03, Stags 17, Niagara 16
Junior guard Sabra Wrice has been on fire in the first ten minutes of play, already racking up 10 points. However, Niagara has been able to keep it close, as Fairfield's largest lead has been four.
-Chris Simmons
-Chris Simmons
Thursday, January 25, 2007
A preview of the Fairfield vs. Niagara game
When the Stags take on Niagara this Friday, they must build off their solid play last game against Rider.
Playing in front of their home crowd should be a plus, as they are 2-1 in conference play when at home.
The rookies have really stepped up for Fairfield and should continue to do so against Niagara.
Earlier in the season, the Stags beat the Purple Eagles by 14 points. While it is tough to beat a team twice in one season in any sport, Fairfield is more than capable of the feat.
Fairfield has really come into its own as an upper-echelon MAAC team of late, winning three of its last five conference matchups.
If the Stags keep playing their game for a solid 40 minutes, look for them to come out on top.
-Frank Romano
Playing in front of their home crowd should be a plus, as they are 2-1 in conference play when at home.
The rookies have really stepped up for Fairfield and should continue to do so against Niagara.
Earlier in the season, the Stags beat the Purple Eagles by 14 points. While it is tough to beat a team twice in one season in any sport, Fairfield is more than capable of the feat.
Fairfield has really come into its own as an upper-echelon MAAC team of late, winning three of its last five conference matchups.
If the Stags keep playing their game for a solid 40 minutes, look for them to come out on top.
-Frank Romano
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Practice Update
The women took the court this afternoon in preparation for this weekend's games against Niagara and Loyola.
"Both teams we play this weekend are totally different, so we have to prepare for both," said head coach Dianne Nolan.
Niagara is more of a three shooting team, so the players have been working on their transition game. Drills included 4 on 5 games, free throws and layups. The team also worked on movement.
Fairfield also had two tall guys come in for practice. This way, the women got experience going up against someone much taller than themselves. Going against the MAAC women hopefully won't be as imposing now.
Senior guard Cara Murphy continued her strong play, looking good in practice. She nailed a few threes and handled the ball well. Sophomore Megan Caskin made some nifty passes as well, while Nolan pulled her aside a few times for some extra teaching.
Nolan also mentioned how excited the team is to play on national TV this weekend. The game on Friday against Niagara will be broadcast on ESPNU.
"We are excited to be on national TV, especially at home when a win would even out our record," she said.
Playing on TV will also help the Stags in recuiting.
"We let our recruits know about it," Nolan said. "It helps, especially nationwide, where some players haven't heard of Fairfield."
-Chris Simmons
"Both teams we play this weekend are totally different, so we have to prepare for both," said head coach Dianne Nolan.
Niagara is more of a three shooting team, so the players have been working on their transition game. Drills included 4 on 5 games, free throws and layups. The team also worked on movement.
Fairfield also had two tall guys come in for practice. This way, the women got experience going up against someone much taller than themselves. Going against the MAAC women hopefully won't be as imposing now.
Senior guard Cara Murphy continued her strong play, looking good in practice. She nailed a few threes and handled the ball well. Sophomore Megan Caskin made some nifty passes as well, while Nolan pulled her aside a few times for some extra teaching.
Nolan also mentioned how excited the team is to play on national TV this weekend. The game on Friday against Niagara will be broadcast on ESPNU.
"We are excited to be on national TV, especially at home when a win would even out our record," she said.
Playing on TV will also help the Stags in recuiting.
"We let our recruits know about it," Nolan said. "It helps, especially nationwide, where some players haven't heard of Fairfield."
-Chris Simmons
Saturday, January 20, 2007
A preview of the Fairfield vs. Rider game
Sunday’s game will test whether or not Fairfield can rebound from a tough Friday-night loss to top-seeded Iona.
While Rider is winless in the MAAC and has only one win on the season, one cannot discount the team’s ability to be persistent and deliver solid minutes.
The Stags must attack the Broncs with the same intensity that they have been playing with all year long.
Each conference game makes the standings tighter and tighter, so Fairfield must continue to stay on top of its game to come away with a win.
-Frank Romano
While Rider is winless in the MAAC and has only one win on the season, one cannot discount the team’s ability to be persistent and deliver solid minutes.
The Stags must attack the Broncs with the same intensity that they have been playing with all year long.
Each conference game makes the standings tighter and tighter, so Fairfield must continue to stay on top of its game to come away with a win.
-Frank Romano
Head Coach Dianne Nolan
Here are some thoughts from Fairfield women's head basketball coach Dianne Nolan:
On the importance of the stellar play of Baendu Lowenthal in the post:
"Very Important. You need to score inside and out and B always draws attention and in return opens things for other people."
On why Iona was able to go on such a big run in the first half:
"We missed easy shots. Our defense can hold only so many possessions. We worked hard to get some looks and couldn't knock them down."
On how big a factor Iona's rebounding affected the Stags:
"Big, no pun intended. They went hard to the boards from every position and it hurt us."
On how the Stags currently sit in the season:
"Right now we are in a battle for third place with many home games left. That seed will put us in a good spot. I am pleased with the progress of our offense and young team."
On being chosen for induction into the South Jersey Basketball Hall of Fame:
"It is always nice when an outside group notices what you have done. This honor is particularly special since the Club is based out of my home area. It is a Club I have always had the utmost respect for and to be honored by them is touching."
-Chris Simmons
On the importance of the stellar play of Baendu Lowenthal in the post:
"Very Important. You need to score inside and out and B always draws attention and in return opens things for other people."
On why Iona was able to go on such a big run in the first half:
"We missed easy shots. Our defense can hold only so many possessions. We worked hard to get some looks and couldn't knock them down."
On how big a factor Iona's rebounding affected the Stags:
"Big, no pun intended. They went hard to the boards from every position and it hurt us."
On how the Stags currently sit in the season:
"Right now we are in a battle for third place with many home games left. That seed will put us in a good spot. I am pleased with the progress of our offense and young team."
On being chosen for induction into the South Jersey Basketball Hall of Fame:
"It is always nice when an outside group notices what you have done. This honor is particularly special since the Club is based out of my home area. It is a Club I have always had the utmost respect for and to be honored by them is touching."
-Chris Simmons
On Women's Basketball
The Stags had a chance on Friday to prove that they were in fact one of the top teams in the MAAC. Instead, they fell to Iona. There is no shame in that, as Iona has been a very good team this year. If the Stags want to contend for the MAAC championship however, they are probably going to have to go through either Marist or Iona -- or both.
Fairfield now sits in fourth place, one game behind Loyola, whom the Stags have already beaten once this year. And while you never want to look past an oppenent, Rider is as close to a sure win as you can get. The Broncs are 0-7 in MAAC play and 1-17 overall.
Normally when the Stags win, they outrebound their opponent. Against some of the better teams, Fairfield struggles with this and it proves costly. Its guards are good, but they aren't good enough shooters to carry the team. The Stags rely on the strength of their frontcourt in most of their wins.
-Chris Simmons
Fairfield now sits in fourth place, one game behind Loyola, whom the Stags have already beaten once this year. And while you never want to look past an oppenent, Rider is as close to a sure win as you can get. The Broncs are 0-7 in MAAC play and 1-17 overall.
Normally when the Stags win, they outrebound their opponent. Against some of the better teams, Fairfield struggles with this and it proves costly. Its guards are good, but they aren't good enough shooters to carry the team. The Stags rely on the strength of their frontcourt in most of their wins.
-Chris Simmons
Thursday, January 18, 2007
A preview of the Fairfield vs. Iona game
Friday’s game will show what the 2006-2007 Stags are really made of. Fairfield will go up against top-ranked Iona, which has a perfect 6-0 conference record.
Throughout the season, Fairfield has gelled very well at times, but has also come out of the gate slowly on other occasions. Squaring off against the Gaels, the Stags must come ready to play for 40 straight minutes.
They’re definitely capable of doing this, as last Sunday’s victory against Saint Peter’s showed. Against the Peahens, the Stags stringed together a series of scoring drives in both the first and second halves.
To remain in the upper echelon of the MAAC, Fairfield must continue this style of play.
-Frank Romano
Throughout the season, Fairfield has gelled very well at times, but has also come out of the gate slowly on other occasions. Squaring off against the Gaels, the Stags must come ready to play for 40 straight minutes.
They’re definitely capable of doing this, as last Sunday’s victory against Saint Peter’s showed. Against the Peahens, the Stags stringed together a series of scoring drives in both the first and second halves.
To remain in the upper echelon of the MAAC, Fairfield must continue this style of play.
-Frank Romano
Dianne Nolan HOF
Nowadays in college basketball, Mid-Majors are used as a stepping stone for a coach to land a job at a basketball powerhouse. Fairfield women's head coach Dianne Nolan has defied that trend. After five years at St. Francis (NY), she moved to Fairfield and has been there ever since.
For 28 years, she has led the Stags, racking up 449 wins. She holds a career record of 510-410. In five of those 28 years, the Stags have qualified for a postseason berth: four NCAA Tournaments and one WNIT. Six times Fairfield has had over 20 wins under Nolan's direction. The Stags have also won three MAAC regular season crowns along with three more MAAC Tournament titles.
Five times she has been named the MAAC Coach of the Year, most recently in 2000. The Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association awarded her Coach of the Year in 2001, and the Distinguished Service Award in 2006. She was also named the 1984 New England Coach of the Year along with these other honors.
Perhaps the most glaring example of her merit is that her 28-year tenure at Fairfield is the fifth longest among active coaches at one school in Division I. She is one of only 28 coaches in Division I history to win 500 games.
Nolan has been the only Divison I women's basketball coach the school has ever known; the Stags were a D-II school when she took over and two years into her tenure, the Stags moved up a division.
However, her sucess has not only been limited to the court. She is currently serving a three-year term as Treasurer of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association, a culmination of service dating back to 1981.
Not only that, but she is active in the community as well; one look at her bio on fairfieldstags.com has a laundry list of how she has given back.
But, the one fact that struck me the most was this: every senior that she has coached at Fairfield has graduated on time, with a degree. Some coaches are too concerned with winning. While winning is important, Nolan has tried to stress doing the right things on and off the court.
A school like Fairfield is usually a springboard for sucess at a bigger school. However, Dianne Nolan has stayed on board, and will be recognized for her achievements with her induction in the South Jersey Basketball Hall of Fame.
-Chris Simmons
For 28 years, she has led the Stags, racking up 449 wins. She holds a career record of 510-410. In five of those 28 years, the Stags have qualified for a postseason berth: four NCAA Tournaments and one WNIT. Six times Fairfield has had over 20 wins under Nolan's direction. The Stags have also won three MAAC regular season crowns along with three more MAAC Tournament titles.
Five times she has been named the MAAC Coach of the Year, most recently in 2000. The Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association awarded her Coach of the Year in 2001, and the Distinguished Service Award in 2006. She was also named the 1984 New England Coach of the Year along with these other honors.
Perhaps the most glaring example of her merit is that her 28-year tenure at Fairfield is the fifth longest among active coaches at one school in Division I. She is one of only 28 coaches in Division I history to win 500 games.
Nolan has been the only Divison I women's basketball coach the school has ever known; the Stags were a D-II school when she took over and two years into her tenure, the Stags moved up a division.
However, her sucess has not only been limited to the court. She is currently serving a three-year term as Treasurer of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association, a culmination of service dating back to 1981.
Not only that, but she is active in the community as well; one look at her bio on fairfieldstags.com has a laundry list of how she has given back.
But, the one fact that struck me the most was this: every senior that she has coached at Fairfield has graduated on time, with a degree. Some coaches are too concerned with winning. While winning is important, Nolan has tried to stress doing the right things on and off the court.
A school like Fairfield is usually a springboard for sucess at a bigger school. However, Dianne Nolan has stayed on board, and will be recognized for her achievements with her induction in the South Jersey Basketball Hall of Fame.
-Chris Simmons
Monday, January 15, 2007
On Women's Basketball
Every game in the MAAC is big, but Sunday's win over Saint Peter's was huge. A win keeps Fairfield in third place, while a loss would have dropped them to sixth. The Stags responded with a win after overcoming a early deficit to take a double digit lead.
-The Stags' main problem, their shooting, was never an issue in this game. Baendu Lowenthal, Meka Werts, and Sabra Wrice all had big game, with 18,18, and 19 respectively. They have all had big games before, but never in the same game.
-Not only did they score points, but they did it shooting a high percentage. Too many times it seems like Fairfield's leading scorers shoot 4 of 12 for the night. This time the trio shot 73.1 percent combined from the field.
-The Stags still had some ball handling problems. Megan Caskin had six of the teams 22 turnovers. Caskin has improved at the point, but she can look great one night and off the next.
-The only other major knock on the Stags' win was their second half defense. They allowed Saint Peter's to shoot 50 percent from the field in the second half, and while the game may have seemingly been out of reach, I still remember Duke's comeback against Maryland a few years ago. Down by 10 with 1:00 remaining, in Cole Field House, Duke stormed back on Jay Williams three's and won it in OT. A game is never out of reach.
-Chris Simmons
-The Stags' main problem, their shooting, was never an issue in this game. Baendu Lowenthal, Meka Werts, and Sabra Wrice all had big game, with 18,18, and 19 respectively. They have all had big games before, but never in the same game.
-Not only did they score points, but they did it shooting a high percentage. Too many times it seems like Fairfield's leading scorers shoot 4 of 12 for the night. This time the trio shot 73.1 percent combined from the field.
-The Stags still had some ball handling problems. Megan Caskin had six of the teams 22 turnovers. Caskin has improved at the point, but she can look great one night and off the next.
-The only other major knock on the Stags' win was their second half defense. They allowed Saint Peter's to shoot 50 percent from the field in the second half, and while the game may have seemingly been out of reach, I still remember Duke's comeback against Maryland a few years ago. Down by 10 with 1:00 remaining, in Cole Field House, Duke stormed back on Jay Williams three's and won it in OT. A game is never out of reach.
-Chris Simmons
Saturday, January 13, 2007
A preview of the Fairfield vs. Saint Peter's game
After losing four out of their last five, the Stags need a win.
Especially in the MAAC, where there's a two-way tie for second place and a four-way tie for third.
Every game is key.
To win against the Peahens, the Stags must bounce back from a tough loss Friday to the Siena Saints.
Defense and rebounding have been there from the start, but the offensive production has faltered at times.
Come Sunday, Fairfield cannot afford to go cold down the stretch.
Look for the trio of Caskin, Geehan and Wrice to get the Stags out in front early-and keep it that way.
-Frank Romano
Especially in the MAAC, where there's a two-way tie for second place and a four-way tie for third.
Every game is key.
To win against the Peahens, the Stags must bounce back from a tough loss Friday to the Siena Saints.
Defense and rebounding have been there from the start, but the offensive production has faltered at times.
Come Sunday, Fairfield cannot afford to go cold down the stretch.
Look for the trio of Caskin, Geehan and Wrice to get the Stags out in front early-and keep it that way.
-Frank Romano
Friday, January 12, 2007
On Women's Basketball
After Fairfield's win over Loyola earlier in the week, I though they would be able to go on a run and put some distance between themselves and the rest of the MAAC pack. However, with a loss to Siena, they are right back in the middle of it. They are currently tied with Loyola at 3-2, but having beat Loyola, they hold the tiebreaker.
-The big game coming up on Sunday could indicate which way the Stags are going. A win would put them at 4-2, guaranteeing they would stay in third place. But, a loss would drop them down to 3-3, and possibly down into sixth place.
-The Stags are not a very good three point shooting team. They have been shooting 28.8 percent for the season, which is a problem when their front-court is getting doubled down low. Most likely this will cost them a few games.
-Fairfield is at its best when it creates offense off of the fast break. Rebounding and defense are so important to them. The defensive boards and turnovers allow them to push the ball and try to get a favorable match-up on the other end.
-Chris Simmons
-The big game coming up on Sunday could indicate which way the Stags are going. A win would put them at 4-2, guaranteeing they would stay in third place. But, a loss would drop them down to 3-3, and possibly down into sixth place.
-The Stags are not a very good three point shooting team. They have been shooting 28.8 percent for the season, which is a problem when their front-court is getting doubled down low. Most likely this will cost them a few games.
-Fairfield is at its best when it creates offense off of the fast break. Rebounding and defense are so important to them. The defensive boards and turnovers allow them to push the ball and try to get a favorable match-up on the other end.
-Chris Simmons
Stags Let Win Slip Away, Fall To Siena 57-52
Fairfield was unable to hold onto a nine point lead in the closing minutes against Siena on Friday, falling short 57-52.
After a close first half, the Stags battled their way to a nine point lead, 47-38 with 6:37 remaining in the game. However, junior forward Laura Menty made two quick lay-ups and a free throw, one after a Fairfield turnover, to cut the lead to four while only taking one minute off the clock.
After two more Saint free throws, Tara Flaherty's lay-up and Cara Murphy's three stretched the Stag's lead back to seven with 3:46 left. Those points would be the last Fairfield would score for the rest of the game.
The Saints tied the game at 52 on a lay-up by Heather Stec with 1:49 remaining and took the lead on another lay-up by Menty with 53 seconds left. The Stags were unable to hit anything else and were forced to foul, which lead to the final score of 57-52.
This collapse came after a tight first half in which the Stags battled back from being down six, five, and five. After hitting the first shot in second half, Fairfield never trailed until the final minutes.
Fairfield had trouble with Menty late in the game, as she scored a game-high 19 points on 9 of 14 shooting. However Fairfield's defense did not play terrible. They forced 19 turnovers and while holding Siena to 45 percent from the field. Sophomore guard Megan Caskin harassed the Saints, coming up with four steals as well.
Yet, Fairfield only shot 35 percent themselves and had no player with double-digits in scoring. Fairfield has relied on a balanced attack all year and this game was no different. Nine different players all scored, with sophomore forward Baendu Lowenthal leading the team with nine.
However, over a quarter of the Stag's shots from the field were from downtown, and they didn't connect often. The Stags shot a meager 18 percent from beyond the arc on 17 shots.
Not only did the Stags struggle offensively, but they were also out-rebounded 40-37. Freshmen Stephanie Geehan and Flaherty each had eight to pace the Stags.
The loss drops the Stags to 7-9 overall on the year and 3-2 in the MAAC. Siena improves to 3-12 overall and 2-3 in the MAAC.
Loyola won Friday over Manhattan, while Canisius fell to Marist. This further compacts the middle of the MAAC, while further separating Marist and Iona from the pack.
Fairfield is now tied for third place with Loyola. However, due to their win over the Greyhounds earlier in the week, the Stags hold the tiebreaker.
The Stags return to play in Alumni Hall on Sunday against St. Peter's. The Peacocks are currently 6-8 overall and 2-3 in the MAAC, putting them right behind Fairfield in the MAAC standings.
-Chris Simmons
After a close first half, the Stags battled their way to a nine point lead, 47-38 with 6:37 remaining in the game. However, junior forward Laura Menty made two quick lay-ups and a free throw, one after a Fairfield turnover, to cut the lead to four while only taking one minute off the clock.
After two more Saint free throws, Tara Flaherty's lay-up and Cara Murphy's three stretched the Stag's lead back to seven with 3:46 left. Those points would be the last Fairfield would score for the rest of the game.
The Saints tied the game at 52 on a lay-up by Heather Stec with 1:49 remaining and took the lead on another lay-up by Menty with 53 seconds left. The Stags were unable to hit anything else and were forced to foul, which lead to the final score of 57-52.
This collapse came after a tight first half in which the Stags battled back from being down six, five, and five. After hitting the first shot in second half, Fairfield never trailed until the final minutes.
Fairfield had trouble with Menty late in the game, as she scored a game-high 19 points on 9 of 14 shooting. However Fairfield's defense did not play terrible. They forced 19 turnovers and while holding Siena to 45 percent from the field. Sophomore guard Megan Caskin harassed the Saints, coming up with four steals as well.
Yet, Fairfield only shot 35 percent themselves and had no player with double-digits in scoring. Fairfield has relied on a balanced attack all year and this game was no different. Nine different players all scored, with sophomore forward Baendu Lowenthal leading the team with nine.
However, over a quarter of the Stag's shots from the field were from downtown, and they didn't connect often. The Stags shot a meager 18 percent from beyond the arc on 17 shots.
Not only did the Stags struggle offensively, but they were also out-rebounded 40-37. Freshmen Stephanie Geehan and Flaherty each had eight to pace the Stags.
The loss drops the Stags to 7-9 overall on the year and 3-2 in the MAAC. Siena improves to 3-12 overall and 2-3 in the MAAC.
Loyola won Friday over Manhattan, while Canisius fell to Marist. This further compacts the middle of the MAAC, while further separating Marist and Iona from the pack.
Fairfield is now tied for third place with Loyola. However, due to their win over the Greyhounds earlier in the week, the Stags hold the tiebreaker.
The Stags return to play in Alumni Hall on Sunday against St. Peter's. The Peacocks are currently 6-8 overall and 2-3 in the MAAC, putting them right behind Fairfield in the MAAC standings.
-Chris Simmons
Halftime Report: Siena 29, Fairfield 28
Fairfield is locked in a fierce battle at Siena with both teams battling for control of the game.
The Stags are again led by their balanced attack on offense. Eight players have scored so far, including a team-high six by freshman Tara Flaherty. Flaherty hit two jumpers in the final minute of the half to cut Sienna's lead down to one. She has also been a presence on the boards, grabbing a game-high six rebounds.
Siena has had a lead as large as six points and two leads of five, but the Stags have battled back everytime.
Other notable preformers for the Stags:
Megan Caskin: no points, but is handling the ball well with 6 assists, and no turnovers which is good for one game, let alone one half
Baendu Lowenthal: 4 points, 3 rebounds
Sabra Wrice: 4 points
Stephanie Geehan: 5 points, 4 rebounds
The Stags are playing well, but they need to go on a run to put the game away. If their defense can make some stops and start a few fast-breaks, the Stags should be able to hang on with the win.
-Chris Simmons
The Stags are again led by their balanced attack on offense. Eight players have scored so far, including a team-high six by freshman Tara Flaherty. Flaherty hit two jumpers in the final minute of the half to cut Sienna's lead down to one. She has also been a presence on the boards, grabbing a game-high six rebounds.
Siena has had a lead as large as six points and two leads of five, but the Stags have battled back everytime.
Other notable preformers for the Stags:
Megan Caskin: no points, but is handling the ball well with 6 assists, and no turnovers which is good for one game, let alone one half
Baendu Lowenthal: 4 points, 3 rebounds
Sabra Wrice: 4 points
Stephanie Geehan: 5 points, 4 rebounds
The Stags are playing well, but they need to go on a run to put the game away. If their defense can make some stops and start a few fast-breaks, the Stags should be able to hang on with the win.
-Chris Simmons
Thursday, January 11, 2007
A preview of the Fairfield vs. Siena game
When the Stags take the court tomorrow night against the Saints, be prepared for a fight to the finish.
Just because Siena has only two wins this season doesn't mean that it's not a contender.
Monday's loss to # 1 Iona made that clear.
I would have never expected the Saints to be competitive against a team as strong as the Gaels, let alone force them to double-overtime.
As Chris Simmons pointed out, the MAAC is very tight and packed with quality teams.
To win, Fairfield will need to continue to put together a winning lineup and get contributions from both its starters and its role players.
Look for Stephanie Geehan to have another big game down in the low post. While she may not generate as much offense as some of the other Stags, her rebounding and defensive skills are essential.
Fairfield will look to jump out on top early, as the Stags play well when they're down, but they play even better when they've got a lead from the start.
-Frank Romano
Just because Siena has only two wins this season doesn't mean that it's not a contender.
Monday's loss to # 1 Iona made that clear.
I would have never expected the Saints to be competitive against a team as strong as the Gaels, let alone force them to double-overtime.
As Chris Simmons pointed out, the MAAC is very tight and packed with quality teams.
To win, Fairfield will need to continue to put together a winning lineup and get contributions from both its starters and its role players.
Look for Stephanie Geehan to have another big game down in the low post. While she may not generate as much offense as some of the other Stags, her rebounding and defensive skills are essential.
Fairfield will look to jump out on top early, as the Stags play well when they're down, but they play even better when they've got a lead from the start.
-Frank Romano
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