Endicott holds off Suffolk in ECAC quarterfinals, 61-59
March 5, 2008
BEVERLY, Mass. - The Endicott College women's basketball team defeated Suffolk University by a score of 61-59 in the quarterfinals of the ECAC Championships, which was held at the MacDonald Gymnasium in Beverly, Massachusetts on Thursday night.
Out of the gate it appeared Endicott had the upper hand as they scored the games opening six points. After a three-pointer from senior Sara Doherty (Somerville, Mass./Arlington Catholic) the Gulls lead grew to 9-2. As they would do all night, Suffolk responded with consecutive baskets by senior Kaitlyn Klecha (Fairfield, Conn./Fairfield Warde) to cut the Endicott lead down to 9-7. Endicott came right back with a 7-0 run, and after a jumper by forward Paris Sanders (Needham, Mass./Minuteman Tech.), the Gulls enjoyed their largest lead of the night at 21-12. Once again Suffolk fought back, going on a 9-0 stretch, tying the game on a three-pointer from senior Katie Castignetti (Braintree, Mass./Braintree). The first half scoring streaks continued, as the Gulls closed out the period by scoring the last seven points behind the strong play of junior guard Nicole Duchesne (Plaistow, N.H./Central Catholic), and went into the locker room with a 28-21 advantage.
The second half began with both teams trading baskets up and down the court, as the Rams tried desperately to chip away at the Endicott lead. Suffolk would eventually close the gap to 41-39 after senior Stephanie Morrissey (Abington, Mass./Tabor Academy) hit two important free throws. Immediately, the Gulls came back scoring 11 of the next 13 points, including two three-pointers from Duchesne, to build a 52-41 lead with 7:35 to go in the game. The Rams weren't ready to give up just yet, as they clawed their way back into the game, led by the inspired play of Gillian Brignac (Haverhill, Mass./Haverhill). The Rams got within two points of the lead after two clutch free throws by Stephanie Zito (Guilford, Conn./Guilford) with just 14 seconds left made the score 61-59. Suffolk got the ball back with time for one last play, but Emily Duquette's (Harrisville, R.I./Burrillville) deep three-pointer was off the mark, and Endicott held on for a thrilling 61-59 victory.
The Rams were led by Stephanie Morrissey, who had game-high 15 points to go along with five rebounds and two steals. Meghan Tracey (Rehoboth, Mass./Saint Raphael Academy) contributed the game's only double-double, collecting exactly 10 points and 10 rebounds. Katie Castignetti also played a well all-around game while scoring seven points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing out three assists.
The Gulls were sparked by Nicole Duchesne, who had 14 points to go along with five boards and three assists. Ceciley Chisholm (Lexington, Mass./Lexington) filled the stat sheet collecting 10 points, eight boards, two assists, and four steals. Aubrey Drugan (Salem, N.H./Bishop Guertin) also contributed 12 points in the win.
The loss effectively ends Suffolk's season, as the Rams finish with an overall record of 20-9, including 10-2 in the GNAC. The win propels Endicott into the semifinals of the ECAC New England Championships, while improving its overall record to 19-9. The Gulls will return to action Saturday when they travel to Fitchburg State College to take on top-seeded Coast Guard in the semifinals. Game time is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Should the Gulls advance to the ECAC New England Finals, they would play Sunday at 1:00 p.m.