TELEGRAM: Hound women dogged on defense in win over Saint Rose

December 4, 2008

By Kevin O'Malley

CORRESPONDENT

Worcester Telegram & Gazette

WORCESTER, Mass. --- After giving up 78 points in a loss to LeMoyne this weekend, the Assumption College women made a commitment to defense against Saint Rose last night at Laska Gym.

The Greyhounds' attention to defense, coupled with senior captain Bethany Plasski's 17 second-half points, led them to a 67-57 victory over the Golden Knights as Assumption remained in first place in the Northeast-10.

"Our main concern was defense," coach Kerry Phayre said. "We really were disappointed in the number of points we gave up to Le Moyne and how we played defense, so that certainly was our entire focus in the game today."

Assumption improved to 6-1 (4-1 NE-10) while the Golden Knights' second straight loss dropped them to 5-2, 2-2. Assumption has won nine of 14 career meetings between the schools, including six of seven at Laska Gym.

After being held scoreless in the first half, Plasski caught fire five minutes into the second half, scoring 13 straight Assumption points - including three consecutive daggers from long distance - and had 17 of the Greyhounds' final 23 points.

"That's what a senior captain is supposed to do," Phayre said. "She struggled a little bit today in the first half and a little bit in the Le Moyne game, but when we need shots and we need things to happen, we know that we can go to her."

Plasski also collected 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals in an outstanding all-around effort.

Junior Kayla Parker added 14 points while classmate Leslie Lupien contributed 12 points and 7 rebounds. Point guard Trish Gardner had a game-high 9 assists with just one turnover and 6 rebounds.

In all, eight players scored for the Greyhounds, including sophomore Doherty grad Pam Mobley, who chipped in 6 points, 2 blocks and a rebound in her first action of the season.

"She had a stress fracture, so she's been out for about five weeks, so this was the first time she got into a game and I thought she gave us a lot of energy in the first half and got us some big points, blocked a shot," Phayre said. "She's certainly going to bring another dimension to our team."

After playing five of their first seven games away from home, the Greyhounds hit the road again for four more before playing their next game at Laska Gym on Jan. 3 against Southern Connecticut State.

"We've been pretty much on the road all semester," Phayre said. "We knew that going in, and we've been ready for it, and I think the kids have really responded well. We've got two more away games to end the semester, and hopefully we can keep it going."