Feb. 18, 2005
Endicott clinched the Commonwealth Coast Conference regular season title this evening with a 53-49 victory over the visiting Chargers of Colby-Sawyer. The Gulls (17-7, 15-1) needed a win tonight over Colby-Sawyer (18-6, 13-3) in order to host the tournament play-offs next week. In their first meeting earlier this season, Endicott won a heated game, 52-50, at Colby-Sawyer and the story was no different tonight.
In a defensive battle seeing 5 ties and 10 lead changes, neither team ever led by more than 7 points. At the 13:38 mark, the game was tied at 7. Colby-Sawyer took the lead at 13:20 going on a 7-0 run to take the largest lead of the night, 14-7 at the 10:00 mark. The Chargers held onto the lead, however, the Gulls didn't make it easy. With 2 minutes left in the half, Endicott cut the lead to 1 point behind key baskets from forwards Marisa Botta and Sara Doherty.
Endicott, who had not led since 4 minutes into the 1st half, took the lead 11 seconds into the 2nd half on a basket by Jodi Brown. This began a 14-7 run, culminating into the Gulls' largest lead of the night, 35-29, at the 14 minute mark. The Chargers chipped away at the lead to tie the game, 40-40, at 8:15. From that point on, there were 4 more lead changes as neither team led by more than 4 points. In the final minutes, key rebounds by Lisa Chartier, a field goal by Carly Haynes, and solid play from freshman Aubrey Drugan kept the Gulls ahead. With seconds ticking away, the Chargers got one last look to tie the game, but Holly Beth Wojcik stepped up to block the shot and grab the rebound. A desperation foul sent her to the free-throw line where she put the game away sinking both shots.
Although EC's offense was widespread, the Gulls were led by Liz Yuneman (11 points, 3 steals) and Brown (9 points, 7 rebounds, 5 steals, 4 assists). All 9 Gulls who saw time scored. Chartier led the Gulls on defense pulling down a team high 11 rebounds, recording 6 steals while also tallying 7 points.
Senior Chrissy Callahan was honored tonight for her 4 years of contributions as an Endicott Gull. She provided valuable minutes for the Gulls and two key baskets. Callahan scored EC's first basket and pulled down the first rebound of the game; fitting for the lone senior on Senior Night.
Colby-Sawyer was led by Kristen Sorensen who scored a game-high 15 points and added 7 rebounds. Jamie Peterman pulled down a game-high 16 rebounds to go along with her 14 points. K.J. Krasco also scored in double-digits with 10 points.
Endicott travels to Roger Williams University on Saturday for their last regular season game. Tip off time is 1:00.
