November 12, 2005 - NY/NJ Gazelles 79 Rider 42 (Exhibition)
November 12, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Women’s College Basketball (exhibition)
NY/NJ Gazelles 79, Rider University 42
LAWRENCEVILLE—The Broncs lost to a group of former college stars in an exhibition game Saturday. Rider had just seven players dressed for the contest due to several injuries. “We made it through the game with seven people,” said head coach Tori Harrison. “They really fought. I just told the ones who are out that they need to get healthy, we need bodies.”
Trailing 40-16 at half time, Rider out-scored the Gazelles 15-10 to start the second half, seven of those 15 coming from freshman Shaunice Parker (Waldorf, MD/West Lake), who finished with a team-high 12 points and led all rebounders with 11.
Freshman Danielle Costantino (Norristown, PA/Archbishop Carroll) scored 10 points for Rider, making seven of 10 foul shots. “I though Danielle played well,” said Harrison. “She tried to do the things we asked her to do. It’s a big step up from high school to college.”
“I was a little nervous today, but it felt good to get out and play,” said Costantino. “It was difficult playing shorthanded today, but we have to pull through and do our best with what we had.”
The Gazelles were led by former Fairfield University star Allison Thorn, who compiled 15 points and 10 rebounds. St. John’s University graduate Shamika Stevens added 10 points and six assists for the Gazelles. “They were pretty good,” said Costantino. “They were a lot more aggressive than what I played against in high school. It was a good test for us, and it showed us what we have to work on.”
“They were athletic, and I think they took us out of our rhythm in the beginning with their press,” said Harrison.
For Rider, senior Christine Catalanotto (Flushing, NY/Christ the King) had eight points and four assists, and junior Monica Welborn (Harrisburg, PA/Central Dauphin) had seven points and four steals. “Christine played well in spots for us today,” said Harrison. “She was our leader out there.”
Rider begins the 2005-06 season at home against Maine Friday. “We should have almost everybody back for Friday,” said Harrison. “We have to work hard in practice this week and I think we’ll be alright,” said Costantino.
-RU-
