Belles split weekend games at Wellesley College tourney Invitational
By KATIE McVOY
Assistant Sports Editor
This weekend provided the Saint Mary's basketball team with the springboard it needed to get this season off to a good start.
The Belles flew to Boston to take part in the Wellesley College Invitational, where they broke even. Saint Mary's lost to tournament winner Wellesley 85-45 on Saturday, but came back to dominate Johnson and Wales University 66-28 on Sunday.
"This was a very important win for us," senior captain Julie Norman said. "It not only boosts morale, but gives a lot of hope for the rest of the season."
In addition to racking up their first win of the season, the Belles were proud to bring home a record breaker and an all-team player.
Sophomore center Kristen Matha broke the school record for rebounds, racking up 18 boards for the Belles during Sunday's game. Sophomore point guard Shaun Russell, an All-Tournament selection, led Wellesley in front of a home team crowd.
Saint Mary's had a rough start against Wellesley. The Blue opened the game with a 12-0 run that forced the Belles to play catch-up for the rest of the game.
"We had to try and fight back the whole game," Norman said. "And they had the home court advantage."
The Wellesley defense overwhelmed Saint Mary's early on, and the Belles never came back. The veteran Wellesley team took its toll on the young Saint Mary's team.
"They had great senior leadership," Norman said. "They talked it up on defense and we were intimidated because that's how we usually play."
Matha led the team in scoring with 11 points. Anne Blaire and Russell each scored 10 points for the team.
Following Saturday's loss, the Belles scouted the next day's competition. Although Johnson and Wales boasted two All-Americans on its team, that didn't stunt the Belles' confidence.
"Watching [Johnson and Wales] on Saturday gave us the confidence that we could win," Norman said.
And win they did.
The Belles came out strong and never let up intensity the entire game. Saint Mary's led the entire game, leading by as many as 34 points.
"From the tip off to the final buzzer we never lost our intensity," Norman said. "To anyone watching, we were a completely different team. We were confident."
The Belles boasted four players in double figures on Sunday. Blair racked up 14 points for the team, joined by Norman, Matha and freshman Leighann Matesich who all scored in double digits.
With one win under its belt. Saint Mary's is looking forward to games over the Thanksgiving holidays.
"Sunday's over and we have to move forward," Norman said.
The Belles will face off against Franklin College on Wednesday, enjoy the holiday, and then travel to Marietta, Ohio for a four-team tournament next weekend.
"Franklin is a god team," Norman said. "Our biggest focus is the difference between Saturday's game and Sunday's game Ñ intensity. We want to keep the intensity and play with it."
All Sports Stories for Tuesday, November 21, 2000
