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
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
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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