1/30/08

GRANTHAM, Pa.—Lycoming’s women’s basketball team (10-7, 1-2) fell to conference opponent Messiah (16-2, 3-0) by a score of 60-47 on Wednesday. Messiah is currently ranked #9 in the country in both the ESPN/USA Today and D3Hoops.com polls.

Lady Warrior junior Andrea Cooper (Hollidaysburg, Pa.) scored a team-high 11 points, while sophomore Jessica Nabholz (Cressona, Pa.) finished with 10 points, six rebounds and five steals. For the Lady Falcons, Silalei Shani led the team with 19 points and nine rebounds.

The first half saw eight lead changes and four ties, as Messiah went into the break up 29-27. But Lycoming took charge in the second half, scoring seven straight points for a 34-29 lead. Messiah regained its lead with just over eight minutes left in regulation and scored the game’s last 10 points to secure the win.

Despite the outcome, Lycoming head coach Chris Ditzler was upbeat about her team’s performance. “I thought we played the best game we’ve played all year,” said Ditzler. “I thought our defense was great. I can’t say enough about how well I thought we played.” She continued, “(Messiah) hit some big threes, and when they get on a roll, it sparks their defense and that’s what they needed to pull ahead.”

Lycoming will face conference foe Albright College (15-3, 3-0) this Saturday, Feb. 2 at 1 p.m. at Lamade Gymnasium.