Mirror File Photo
Women’s basketball swept their Buffalo road trip for only the fourth-time in program history to improve to 10-8 overall and 5-2 in the MAAC.
The second-place Stags received big games from seniors Baendu Lowenthal, who was named the MAAC Player of the Week, and Lauren Groom.
‘Canisius is very, very good,’ said head coach Joe Frager. ‘To be able to win both games in Buffalo, which hasn’t happened often, was big. Canisius came in in the top-10 in three-point shooting and we did a nice job shutting that down. It was big getting that win.’
The Golden Griffs were on a nine-game winning streak and entered the game sixth in the nation in shooting behind the arc at 39.7 percent. But Fairfield held them to shooting 3-for-18.
Fairfield has played well in the MAAC, despite losing twice to Iona. Fairfield’s non-conference losses have been several close games.
‘We’re where I thought we’d be,’ said Frager. ‘But, I would have liked to have won a few more non-conference games.’
Lowenthal averaged 20.5 points and 10.5 rebounds against Canisius and Niagara. She also became the seventh player in program history to surpass 1,300 points and 700 rebounds during her career.
Lowenthal, with 15.5 points per game, is the only Stag averaging over nine points per game. Freshman Desiree Pina is second averaging 8.8 points. With the lack of a second outside scoring threat, teams are able to focus on stopping Lowenthal.
‘More often than not, teams attempt to double-team B,’ said Frager. ‘They play loose on some of our other players. Not only to double (her), but to try to stop dribble penetration.’
Fairfield is still looking for a consistent outside threat to help balance their offense. Fellow senior Groom has steadily seen increased playing time since recovering from an early season injury. She scored a career-high 26 points against Niagara, including three shots from behind the arc.
‘We need to find that consistent outside shot,’ said Frager. ‘Lauren Groom had good games in Buffalo. We need some outside punch from her and Pina.’
Lowenthal has continued to perform as Fairfield’s top player all season. She leads the Stags in scoring and is second in rebounds and assists.
‘In the past couple of games, Groom has stepped up,’ said Lowenthal. ‘Pina and Caskin and the rest of my teammates have played well.’
Fairfield will next face No. 20 Marist on Friday afternoon. The Red Foxes boast the reigning MAAC Player of the Year, Sixth Woman of the Year, Rookie of the Year and Coach of the Year.
‘Marist is the gold standard for our conference,’ said Frager. ‘We need to play with poise; a few bad minutes could lead to 20 points against a team like Marist. We can’t have sloppy periods.’
Lowenthal said that Fairfield needs to focus on their own game.
‘In the MAAC, you never know what can happen,’ said Lowenthal. ‘I’m happy where we are, but we can improve. We just have to continue to work hard and come to play.’
Leave a Reply