"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
Sunday, February 25, 2007
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
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