SMC Basketball: Struggling Belles look for 2nd win from Comets
By: HEATHER VAN HOEGARDEN
Sports Writer
Saint Mary's has been ready for this game for a long time. But, they are not just ready to play, they are ready to win too, when hosting Olivet Saturday.
The Belles have struggled of late, losing their last six contests. Saint Mary's last win came on Jan. 8, ironically against the Lady Comets of Olivet. Saturday's game is the perfect time for the Belles to turn things around.
Leading the way will be sophomore forward Emily Creachbaum, who averages 13.8 points and 6.6 rebounds. She has been one of the bright spots for the Belles, and looks to again lead the team to victory on Saturday.
"It would be good to get a win," Creachbaum said. "We need to win to set the tone for the second half of our conference season."
With the first half of the conference race over, the Belles (5-13, 1-6 in the MIAA) find themselves tied with Olivet (6-12, 1-6) for last place in the MIAA. Saint Mary's and Olivet seem to matchup well, as both teams shoot about 38 percent from the field. In their last meeting, Saint Mary's defeated Olivet 64-53 at Olivet.
Other positives for Saint Mary's have been found in its freshmen. Guard Bridget Boyce (7.6 points per game) and forward Anne Hogan (7.3 points, 4.9 rebounds) have led the way. However, the Belles still search for another consistent force besides Creachbaum.
"Other players need to step up and realize their role," Creachbaum said. "Even though different people step up in different games, we need to be more consistent so that in each game at least one person steps up."
In Wednesday's 68-54 loss to Alma, the Belles hung tough and were put away by a late second half run by the Scots.
"We played well on Wednesday; it was a positive for us," Creachbaum said. "We didn't win because we had a few letdowns, and were never able to capitalize."
However, in order to come away with a victory against the Lady Comets, the Belles much contain their leading scorer, Louisa Grill (15.5 points, 9.4 rebounds per game).
The Belles and Lady Comets tip off at 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Angela Athletic Facility.
All Sports Stories for Friday, January 31, 2003
