Loss puts slumping Belles in cellar
By KATIE McVOY
Assistant Sports Editor
Going into halftime of Wednesday night's contest against Adrian College, Saint Mary's was facing a point deficit larger than the number of minutes left to play.
With 20 minutes left in the game, the Belles were losing to the Bulldogs 40-19. They never recovered.
A 36-point second half performance by the Belles wasn't enough to top Adrian, as Saint Mary's dropped another MIAA contest 75-55. The loss dropped the Belles to last place in the league.
Coming off a victory against Olivet Saturday, Saint Mary's looked for a win Wednesday night. However, 25 percent shooting in the first half wasn't enough to get that victory.
"We've been doing a much better job handling the pressure and different defenses and attacking and being aggressive," Smith said earlier this week.
The Adrian offense got around the Saint Mary's defense to score 40 points in the first half, shooting nearly 50 percent from the field.
Starting forward Sarah Vincke led the Bulldog attack — making seven 2-pointers and claiming two of Adrian's seven 3-point shots.
Adrian's other leading scorers came off of the bench. Guards freshman Kersten Larsen and junior Angie Benefield each added 14 points to the Adrian victory.
The Saint Mary's bench scored only 12 points. Senior starting guard Julie Norman led the Belles offensively, scoring 16 points. Kelly Roberts and Mary Campione each chipped in 10 points.
Kelly Roberts — who grabbed eight of Saint Mary's 37 rebounds — led Saint Mary's defensively.
Saturday the Belles will play their final game of the season on the road against the Kalamazoo Hornets. This will be the last opportunity for the Belles to try to move up in the MIAA tournament bracket.
If Saint Mary's drops Saturday's game, the Belles will face the No. 1 ranked Flying Dutch of Hope in the first round of play.
However, if Saint Mary's can come up with a win, and Adrian loses, the team may face Alma instead.
The last time the Belles faced the Hornets, they dropped the game 64-48, wrapping up round one of MIAA play at home. However, Smith believes her team plays better on the road.
"I always think we play a little better on the road," she said.
Tip-off is at 3 p.m. at Kalamazoo.
All Sports Stories for Friday, February 16, 2001
