Susquehanna Women's Basketball Loses Thrilling Season Opener to Messiah, 73-72
SELINSGROVE, Pa. -- Susquehanna University's senior guard Ashley Watkins (La Habra Heights, Calif./Rosary) recorded a team-high 17 points and seven rebounds, but Susquehanna fell, 73-72, to visiting Messiah College in a non-conference women's basketball game at Orlando W. Houts Gymnasium on Nov. 17. The game was both teams' 2009-10 season opener.
Messiah (1-0 overall) scored the first and last baskets of the
game for its only leads of the contest. The Falcons notched the
opening points just 13 seconds into the game and put away the
game-winner on the last of two free throws with 10 seconds to go in
regulation.
SU (0-1 overall) held a 36-28 halftime lead and led by as many as
15 points six minutes into the second half. The Crusaders shot
eight of 10 from three-point range and 47.3 percent overall but
only shot 50 percent from the free-throw line (12 of 24).
Watkins was an impressive seven of 10 from the
field and also led the Crusaders with four steals. Teammate and
junior guard Erika Barron (Tamaqua, Pa./Tamaqua
Area) chipped in 12 points on perfect 4-for-4 shooting
from the field (3-for-3 from three-point range) and also dished out
a game-high six assists.
Senior forward Samantha Jansson (Cumbola, Pa./Nativity
B.V.M.) was Susquehanna's third double-digits scorer with
10 points.
Messiah's senior guard Julie Henninger (Carlisle, Pa./Carlisle) led all players with 18 points and tied game-highs of eight rebounds (five offensive) and four steals, respectively. She also handed out a team-high three assists. Teammate and freshman forward Dori Gyori (Biatoragy, Hungary/Mechanicsburg) scored 12 points and tied Henninger with eight rebounds. Gyori also led all players with two blocked shots.
Junior forward Michele Schleich (Hanover, Pa./Delone Catholic)
added 12 points and six boards.
Next Games: Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 21-22, hosting the 2009
Pepsi/Weis Markets Tip-Off Tournament