winless overall
By KATIE McVOY
Sports Writer
The Saint Mary's basketball team dropped its league record to 0 -10 and its overall record to 0-17 this weekend as it was bested by two MIAA teams.
The young Saint Mary's team dropped its first game to Hope College, 87-54, on Saturday. Alma College won Sunday's game, 73-51.
Hope came into Saturday's game with a 7-2 MIAA record and an overall record of 11-5.
"They are an excellent team," junior Julie Norman said. "They're always a powerhouse and it's hard to handle a team like that on the road."
Hope took the lead early in the game and never let it go, although Saint Mary's fought back.
"We were flat and Hope would go on a scoring run, but then we'd come back," Norman said.
The Belles, who have had an aggressive press all season, used that to their advantage against the Flying Dutch. At half time Saint Mary's had forced eight turnovers while the Hope had not forced any.
"We always come out ready to play," Norman said. "Most teams would give up, but we give it our all."
Hope beat the Belles under the boards. Flying Dutchwoman Kristin Koenigsknecht had a league-high 18 rebounds.
Following that difficult loss, the Saint Mary's faced Alma College Sunday. Alma currently leads the MIAA with a league record of 8-2 and an overall record of 11-6.
The game opened with Alma taking an 11-2 lead, but the Belles bounced back to a 13-11 lead. Then the energy ran down. Alma went on a 30-9 scoring run, ending the half with a commanding lead.
"If we had been able to come back the first five minutes of the half, we would have had a chance," Norman said.
The Belles, however, did not.
During the second half Saint Mary's tried to come back.
"We were so far down and everyone thought we were out," Norman said. "Then we came back, but we had nothing left to give to stay where we were."
Although they have faced a lot of adversity this season, the Belles continue to be proud of their efforts.
"The biggest thing is that we always show a lot of character," Norman said. "Many of the coaches of the other teams we have played have said as much, and that's something we can take pride in. Adversity builds character."
Saint Mary's looks to capture its first win on Saturday as it faces Olivet College. Olivet comes into the game with only one win.
"This is our weekend to win," Norman said.
All Sports Stories for Tuesday, January 25, 2000
