CSR (Women's Basketball Advances to MIAA Tournament Semis With Win Over Adrian)

CALVIN SPORTS REPORT FOR FEB. 20, 2007

Knights Advance to MIAA Tournament Semis With Win over Adrian

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Calvin 90, Adrian 52
(written by Drew DeVries '08)

GRAND RAPIDS - The Knights ranked second in the country opened up MIAA Tournament play this evening with a convincing 90-52 victory over the Bulldogs of Adrian. In a game where Calvin never trailed, every player on the Knights roster scored.

Calvin began the game doing what it does best--scoring in transition. Sophomore Marcia Harris (Grand Rapids/Grand Rapids Christian) scored the first four points of the game, helping ignite a 13-2 run less than four minutes into the game. Six minutes later the Knights had a 29-6 lead as they held the Bulldogs (9-16) without a field goal over a seven minute span.

"We were able to establish some things early on, especially defensively," said Coach Ross. "We had tons of energy throughout this game."

Calvin's intensity allowed it to pound the ball inside on the offensive end while forcing Adrian turnovers on the defensive end. The Bulldogs were plagued with 14 turnovers in the first half and were held to 26.1 percent shooting from the field. At halftime, the Knights had a comfortable 46-19 lead.

Calvin's intensity and energy carried right over into the second half. More Adrian turnovers continued to lead to easy Calvin baskets. The Knights' lead ballooned to 42 points at one point as the Bulldogs just could not keep up with the speed of the game Calvin was creating.

Harris led all scorers with 16 points while Lisa Winkle (Grand Rapids/South Christian) and Rachael Willet (Rockford/Rockford) each had 10. Jenny Carlson for the Bulldogs led her team with 12 points.

Willet was even able to connect from behind the arc which is something Ross said could create big problems for opponents. "Willet is capable of scoring double figures every night," said Ross. She can shoot the three which is something we've been waiting for this season. If she can continue to do that, it'll really stretch the defenses of other teams."

Ross was also pleased with everyone being able to get involved in the game. "It was good to get everyone in because it's tough to always play everybody so I'm happy we were able to do that and proud of what they were able to accomplish."

Ross also emphasized taking one game at a time. "We're going to have our hands full Thursday but this team loves coming out and competing hard. This group loves to show up on game day."

Calvin finished the game with a 45 percent (9 of 20) three-point field goal clip. With its nine three-pointers on the night, Calvin raised its season total to 162, matching the Calvin single-season record for three-pointers originally set by its 1992-93 team.

Calvin's next game will be Thursday when it takes on Albion (15-10) in the MIAA Tournament semifinals at the Calvin Fieldhouse with a game time set for 7:30 p.m. Albion defeated Olivet 80-74 in overtime in a first round game on Tuesday.

Calvin is now 21-10 all-time in MIAA Tournament play. Calvin is now 8-2 in first round MIAA Tournament games.

OTHER MIAA TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SCORES

Hope 85, Tri-State 61
Albion 80, Olivet 74 (OT)
St. Mary’s 66, Alma 54

MIAA TOURNAMENT SEMIFINAL PAIRINGS FOR THURSDAY, FEB. 22, 2007

#4 Albion (15-10) at #1 Calvin (24-1) at 7:30 p.m.
#3 Saint Mary’s (12-12) at #2 Hope (22-3) at 7:30 p.m.

Jeff Febus
Sports Information Director
Calvin College
(616) 526-6169 Office
(616) 526-8551 Fax
Received on Tue Feb 20 22:06:52 2007