(Hackettstown, NJ) – It was a day when everything went right for the Mount Saint Vincent Women's Basketball team. Turnovers were few and far between, the Dolphins outrebounded their opponent, 60-46, and found themselves at the free throw line nearly twice as many times. But poor shooting proved to spoil a season sweep of Centenary by Mount Saint Vincent as the Dolphins squandered a 37-36 halftime lead, shooting only 17% from the floor during the second half of play and missing several key free throws as Centenary rallied to beat Mount Saint Vincent, 64-55 during a game played at Centenary. With their fourth straight loss, Mount Saint Vincent falls to 2-6 overall, and 1-3 in the Skyline Conference.
Things started off quickly for the Mount, as the Dolphins shot 46% from the floor during the first half of play en route to a 37-36 lead, thanks to the hot shooting of senior Laura Bucci (Irvington, NY/Our Lady of Victory) and freshman Drew Gomes (Thomaston, CT/Thomaston HS). The duo combined for 16 first half points on 7 for 10 shooting between the two. More importantly, the Dolphins enjoyed a 30-17 edge on the boards, and had it not been for six first half three-point shots by Centenary, the Mount halftime lead could have been greater.
The second half was a different story as the Mount suffered through their worst shooting half of the season. Mount Saint Vincent converted only six of their 36 field goal attempts and were outscored 28-18 during the final 40 minutes. The Mount also finished the game only 10 for 23 from the free throw line, allowing Centenary the victory. Sophomore Kaitlin Burud (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook HS) gave the Dolphins a heroic effort during the second half, scoring 10 of her team-high 13 points and causing four steals.
Mount Saint Vincent was also led by senior Meagan Fitzpatrick (Yonkers, NY/Our Lady of Victory), who finished the game with nine point and nine rebounds, while Gomes also had a great game, finishing with eight points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.
Mount Saint Vincent returns to action on Tuesday, Jan. 10 when they host New York University at 7:00 p.m. Prior to the game, senior Andrea DiNizo (Cortlandt Manor, NY/Masters) will be honored for her 1,000th career point, which was scored last Wednesday night at St. Joseph's (LI).
