Tigers Hand Gators First NCAC Loss

Jan 6, 2007

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MEADVILLE, Pa. – Allegheny College suffered its first league loss of the season Saturday afternoon as visiting Wittenberg University (6-6, 3-1 NCAC) handed the hosts a 59-50 decision in North Coast Athletic Conference women’s basketball action at the David V. Wise Center. The Gators drop to 4-1 in the NCAC and 10-3 overall this season.

The Tigers led from start to finish jumping out to a 10-point (15-5) lead midway through the first half, and extending it to 30-19 at the break. Allegheny managed to connect on just 7-of-26 (.269) field goals attempts and committed nine turnovers in the opening frame.

The margin steadily grew in the second period at Wittenberg connected on over half of their shots (11-of-20) and continued to press the Gators offensively. Allegheny’s deficit stood at 22 (56-34) at 4:28, until a furious 16-3 rally over the final minutes cut the final score to single-digits.

Senior Jennifer Latronica (Gibsonia, Pa./Deer Lakes) continued her dominant play in the post this season, posting 14 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field. The school’s all-time blocked shots leader, she tacked on four swats against Wittenberg’s formidable front line. Two other seniors also reached double-figures for the Gators as Katie Kestler (Pittsburgh, Pa./Mt. Lebanon) and Becca Gasiewicz (Grove City, Pa./Kennedy Catholic) each contributed 10, with the latter adding team-highs of eight rebounds and four steals.

Rachel Clark-Haggy led the visitors with 13 points on four field goals, including three three-pointers, and two free throws, while Kathy Hittle notched a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Ali Rohfls added 11 points and six rebounds for Wittenberg.

Allegheny will resume play on Saturday, Jan. 13, with a road trip to Denison University in Granville, Ohio. The opening tip is set for 2 p.m.

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