CAL's Lady Centurions escaped the grasp of Sacred Heart's Valkyries with the aid of a double-double from freshman guard China Dow. Sacred Heart did an admirable job of controlling the tempo but Dow's athleticism gave CAL the edge in the end.

 

As they always seem to do, the Valkyries played well together despite the significant losses of starters Autumn Miller, Jackie Hafele, and Monica McGreal to injury.

 

This was CAL's first game without injured forward Anna Hart and it showed in the lack of blocking out on defensive rebounds and overall scoring.

What happened to Hart?

What happened to Hart?

 

Torn ACL...season-ending injury with surgery scheduled for early February. Of course, the team will rally around her, but it's a question mark as to how that will affect their play. For Anna, she's devastated, but will bounce back.

 

Her rebounding, physical presence in the paint, and much-improved offensive output (scoring and assists) this season will be missed, forcing CAL to rely more heavily on guards Walden, Marshall, and Gardner to support Slaughter, Karst, and Dow.

Congrats to CAL on the win.

 

Other than that I am leaving this thread alone. :lol::lol::lol:

That's awful to hear. Seems like there are more and more knee injuries...

Did Hart wear Rocket Socks?

Did Hart wear Rocket Socks?

 

I'm not sure. I'll try to ask her.

CAL 42 Sacred Heart 38

 

The Lady Centurions began a three-day stretch of games this past week against the Valkyries of Sacred Heart. Even after suffering the significant losses of 7th region all-stars Autumn Miller and Jackie Hafele to injuries, Valkyries’ Coach Donna Moir excels at extracting the best efforts of her players.

 

Playing their first game without starter Anna Hart, CAL’s uneven offensive execution produced a season-low number of assists. The exception was freshman China Dow who provided a season-high outing with 19 points and 17 rebounds. Dow scored 11 of the Lady Centurions’ 12 points in the 1st half and Sacred Heart center Morgan Clemons was effective in the paint, scoring 7 points as the teams struggled to a stalemate at the intermission.

 

In the 2nd half, Antonita Slaughter awoke for 17 points as CAL jumped out to an 8-point lead early in the 3rd quarter at 22-14. The Valkyries then took flight in the form of Maddie Peabody who scored all 13 of her points after halftime and CAL’s lead was cut to three by the end of the 3rd quarter. Kate Joss and Casey Marshall ignited a defensive spark, clamping down on Peabody’s open looks and creating a few turnovers against a well-disciplined Sacred Heart offense. China Dow continued to rebound and score on second-chance opportunities and the Lady Centurions confirmed the win by hitting 10 of 13 free throws.

 

Sideline notes

--Not a pretty game for CAL, but a win is a win, especially a road win against an always tough 7th region opponent. The Lady Centurions shot only 32% for the game, but the Valkyries didn't fare any better at 31%.

--As the Lady Centurions adjust to playing without Hart, a one-on-one offensive scheme may meet with limited success against deeper teams, so a higher number of assists and a better scoring balance will be essential.

--Injuries have made it tough for the Valkyries in the short term, but the experience gained for younger players may pay big dividends in the long run.

 

Game scoring by quarter

CAL 5 7 18 12 42

Sacred Heart 5 7 15 11 38

 

Player statistics

CAL: China Dow (19 points, 17 rebounds, 4 blocks, 3steals, Antonita Slaughter (17 points, 9 rebounds), Casey Marshall (5 points, 2 steals), Emily Walden (1 point)

Sacred Heart: Maddie Peabody (13 points, 4 rebounds), Morgan Clemons (11 points, 9 rebounds), Jade Tubb (6 points), Annamarie Campbell (4 points, 4 rebounds), Mary Gordon Stough (2 points, 12 rebounds), Hannah Washle (2 points, 4 rebounds)

 

Team statistics

CAL: Total FG 31.9% (15/47); 3-pt. FG 11.8% (2/17); FT 76.9% (10/13); 39 rebounds; 0 points off bench

Sacred Heart: Total FG 30.8% (16/52); 3-pt. FG 25% (4/16); FT 28.6% (2/7); 35 rebounds; 6 points off bench