Belles fall to Britons without Matha's aid
By KATIE McVOY
Sports Writer
The Saint Mary's basketball team looked to overcome the odds and defeat Albion College, despite the injuries and illnesses that plagued the Belles during this week's practices.
Unfortunately, the odds did not prove wrong. The Belles lost to the Britons 71-63.
Before the game, Saint Mary's was concerned that the illnesses and injuries it suffered this week during practice would negatively affect its performance against Albion. Saint Mary's came into the game without starting forward Kristen Matha who has been out with a leg injury since last Saturday's contest against Calvin College.
Earlier this week, Matha had been given the go-ahead to play in the game by the team doctor.
Due to fear of a blood clot, however, Matha was unable to play after all. Coach Dave Roeder used a different starting line-up without Matha.
Junior Julie Norman and sophomore Kelly Jones started at the forward positions, sophomore Kelly Roberts started at the center position, and Mary Campione and Jamie Stouffer took their places as guards.
"It always hurts the team when you're down a player," Roberts said. "But other team members really stepped up tonight and played hard."
During last Tuesday's game, Roberts was hit in the head with a ball, resulting in a concussion. She had also been given the go-ahead to play. She played the first half of the game before she was forced to sit out again due to another shot to the head. It is likely that she suffered another concussion.
Rebounding and consistent shooting have been key to the Belles strategy during the last four games. Wednesday Albion bested Saint Mary's in both categories. The Britons shot .426 from the field while the Belles only shot .318 from the field, and Albion out-rebounded Saint Mary's 51-38.
"When you give them second chances at shots and you don't have those yourself, it really hurts your game," Roberts said. "They out-rebounded and out-shot us in the first half, and that was what cost us the game."
Albion jumped out to an early lead in the first half, leaving the half with a seven-point lead. Saint Mary's scored 18 points during the first half, making only six of 29 shots. During the last 10 minutes of the game, however, the Belles battled back to within three following two three pointers by Stefanie Pfannensteil and one 3-point shot by Julie Norman.
"The team went on an awesome run during the second half," Matha said. "They really stepped up the defense and the press, but fell short in the end."
In a game ridden with fouls, both the Belles and the Britons gave up numerous points on free throw attempts. Albion fouled 20 times during the game, giving up 16 points in free throws. Saint Mary's gave up 17 points of 21 fouls, including a controversial technical foul by Norman.
During the second half, Norman went after a loose ball and was fouled by a member of the Albion team. Energized by the call, Norman threw the ball on the ground, not realizing the Briton guard had not gotten up off the floor and the ball struck the Albion player in the face. A technical foul was called.
"It was in the excitement of the moment and Julie didn't know she was there," Matha said. "I don't think it was deserved."
"We can't blame the loss of the referees, but poor reffing was a factor to both teams throughout the entire game," Matha added. "There were a lot of missed calls."
Norman, Jones and Anne Blaire each had four fouls during the game and Stouffer came close behind with three. Albion players Treasa Gourlay and Becky Cambell also joined with four fouls a piece.
In 40 minutes of play, there were 54 foul shot attempts resulting in 33 points, almost 25 percent of the total score.
"It was a very aggressive game," Matha said. "Both teams were playing very hard because it was such a close game near the end and that led to a more physical contest."
Saint Mary's earned the rest of its points on five three-point shots and 17 field goals. Norman led the team with 15 points. Joining Norman on offense were Jones and Pfannensteil with 11 points a piece. Jones, Roberts, and Blair each had six rebounds and Norman came close behind with five.
All Sports Stories for Thursday, February 10, 2000
