The Fairfield women’s basketball team probably did not buy many “I Love NY” souvenirs during its three-game swing through the Empire State last week.
The Stags lost three straight games to Siena, Canisius and Niagara, dropping their MAAC record to 4-4 and their overall record to 7-10. Each game was close, with the Stags losing by six, eight, and four points, respectively.
“We did not focus as well as we should have at key times during the games,” said tri-captain Ivana Podrug ’06.”We need to eliminate making mistakes and give our best.”
The Stags could not establish a lead early in games and had a tough time taking care of the basketball during the stretch. In each game Fairfield trailed at halftime and attempted to play catch-up throughout the road trip. The Stags also totaled 50 turnovers during the three games.
The trip started with high expectations, with the Stags having just run their conference record to 4-1 with a victory over St. Peter’s on Jan. 12. The win snapped a seven-game losing streak at the Yanitelli Center in Jersey City for the Stags and brought Head Coach Dianne Nolan to within two wins of 500 for her career.
“We are all aware of the milestone,” said Podrug. “We know it would mean a lot to her and hopefully we can give it to her really soon.”
Unfortunately for the Stags, the initial high did not last. Siena out-shot and out-rebounded the Stags en route to a 70-64 victory in Albany on Jan. 14. The Saints went on a 15-0 run in the second half and held onto the lead late. Senior Cara Murphy’s 18 points and six assists were not enough to lead the comeback charge late in the game. Murphy was one of three Stags to score in double figures.
Murphy proved to be one of the bright spots for the Stags on the recent trip, averaging 16 points per game.
The red-shirt senior has played extremely well for the Stags this season. She is second on the team in scoring and leads the team in assists.
Murphy’s career-high 20 points proved not to be enough for the Stags against Canisius last Friday night in Buffalo, where the Stags fell 85-73.
Despite having four players score double figures and winning the rebounding edge, the Stags shot only 35 percent from the field during the game and could not crawl back late.
The Stags defense was out in full force Sunday against Niagara. Niagara shot 29 percent from the field and was forced into 11 turnovers. However, Fairfield committed 23 turnovers during the game, which led to 14 Niagara points. The Stags’ leading scorer Sabra Wrice ’08 was held to 6 points by the Purple Eagles, who won only their second game in conference, 63-59.
Nolan goes for win No. 499 Friday night when the Stags host St. Peter’s at the Arena at Harbor Yard at 6:30 p.m.
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