Phoenix women beat down dogs
Ryan Van Handel
Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: Sports
|
The Phoenix opened the game with vengeance as it took out the aggression it had built up during its two-game losing streak on the visiting Bulldogs.
Six minutes into the game the Phoenix had a 13-4 lead, primarily fueled by its defense and 3-point shooting.
"We are trying to get back to the Green Bay way, taking pride in the defensive end," said junior guard Celeste Hoewisch.
The Phoenix made three 3-pointers in the games opening six minutes and went 6 of 7 from behind the 3-point arch in the first half. Its 3-point shooting was not the only offensive spark, as the Phoenix shot 75 percent from the field in the first half, the highest of any half for the Phoenix this season.
"It was as good a half as we played in a while," said Phoenix Head Coach Matt Bollant. "We focused on our execution. We talk a lot about playing hard, playing smart and playing together. That's the way we played in the first half."
The Phoenix was led by sophomores, forward Julie Wojta with 16 and guard Hannah Quilling with 9 of the Phoenix 43 first-half points.
The Phoenix aggressive defense led to 17 points, off eight first-half Bulldogs' turnovers, giving the Phoenix a 43-23 halftime lead.
Bollant directed his focus toward the defensive side of the ball when he awarded freshman guard Sarah Eichler the start over fellow teammate, junior guard Heather Golden. It was Eichler's first start since Quilling returned from her broken finger injury early in the season.
"Defense is definitely our focus," Bollant said. "It's been our focus the whole time. We talk about putting our five best defenders on the floor, and Sarah is one of our five best defenders."
Eichler said the coaches informed her Jan. 25 she would be starting, but Eichler's preparation was no different.
"We all prepare the same way," Eichler said. "We all challenge each other. Whether you start or not, you're a big part of this team."
Be the first to comment on this story