WINTER PARK, Fla. (November 16, 2006) ' The
Rollins women's basketball team, ranked 15th in the nation in the
NCAA Division II Bulletin Preseason Poll, started the 2006-07
season in dominating fashion with a 71-42 victory over Puerto
Rico-Mayaguez Thursday night at Warden Arena. The Tars opened the
year with a record of 1-0, and P.R.-Mayaguez dropped to 0-1 with
the loss.
Senior forward Larissa McDonough led all scorers with 22 points
for the Tars. The Ormond Beach, Fla. native went 8-11 from the
field, 3-3 from behind the arc, and 3-3 at the free throw line.
Junior guard Jennifer Musgrove added ten points and ten rebounds
for the double-double. She also led the team with five assists and
five steals.
The Janes were led on offense by Natalie Emmanuelli with 13
points, and Zuleymarie Sanchez added 10. Sanchez was also the
team's leader in rebounds (five) and blocks (two), and Emmanuelli
registered a game-high six steals.
The Tars scored 12 unanswered points to open the game, and they
went on an 18-4 run in the first eight minutes of play. Two
successful free throws by Musgrove with 15 seconds left in the half
brought Rollins' lead up to 23 with the score at 37-14. McDonough
scored 17 of her 22 in the first half, and the Tars' next leading
first half scorers were Jennifer Catti and Musgrove with six
apiece.
P.R.-Mayaguez started the second half strong with a 13-4 run.
The Janes' first three baskets were by Sanchez, all on layups
streaking through the Rollins defense. The Tars regained control
following the Janes' streak, and Rollins pushed its lead all the
way to 32 points when Catti converted a three-point play with 1:49
left in the game.
Rollins used its height to its advantage, winning the rebound
battle 45-20 notching 32 points in the paint compared to 18 for
P.R.-Mayaguez. The defense was strong for Rollins, registering 14
steals, three blocks, and limiting the Janes to a field goal
percentage of 30.8%.
Tonight's game was the Rollins debut for several players,
including freshmen Brittainy Daiger, Jessica Pressley, and Staci
Rossi and sophomores Erin Kirkwood and Ines Teuma. Teuma, the
Bafoussam, Cameroon native, scored six points off the bench for the
Tars, and Kirkwood grabbed five rebounds and scored four points.
Daiger added four rebounds and two points.
Rollins will return to Warden Arena for more non-conference
action on Saturday, November 18 for a game against Puerto-Rico
Bayamon. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., and the women's game
will be followed by the men at 4:00 p.m. taking on Flagler
College.
