by Joe Serzan The Fairfield women’s basketball team put the past behind on Sunday night. Despite the slow start, the Stags defeated Harvard 71-58 at the Lavietes Pavilion in Cambridge, Mass. for their first win of the young season. The Stags were able to begin the game effectively, leading the Crimson 31-27 at halftime, a feat they were unable to accomplish during their first two games versus Brown and Duke. Brown and Duke were both able to outscore the Stags early and often. Fairfield was forced to play from behind and came up short twice, losing both games. The need for getting off to a strong start in games is something that the Stags’ coaching staff has acknowledged. “We cannot start games off like we did and expect to be successful,” said Head Coach Dianne Nolan. “Our schedule is designed where we are going to go after everybody on it. You learn from games and you move on.” The victory over Harvard was a collective effort, with four Stags finishing the game with double-digit points. Sabra Wrice ’08 led the way with 16 points on 6-of-14 shooting from the field. Stephanie Cziria ’08 scored 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field in only 18 minutes of play. Baendu Lowenthal ’09 recorded the first double-double of her career with 14 points and 11 rebounds Sunday. Lowenthal has been a solid newcomer for the Stags, starting in each of her first three collegiate games and averaging better than six rebounds per contest. Lowenthal’s teammates and Stag fans are not the only ones acknowledging her strong start. The MAAC has noticed her efficient play too, and on Monday the league office declared her the MAAC Rookie of the Week for the first week of the season. In addition to her rebounding prowess, Lowenthal went four-of-five from the free-throw stripe Sunday. Despite her lack of experience, Lowenthal remained poised with the game on the line. Lowenthal contributed crucial points from the free-throw line for the Stags late in the game, as they made eight-of-10 during the final three minutes of play to hold the lead and secure the victory. Turnovers were another important statistic for the Stags during Sunday’s contest and have proven to be over the past two weeks. In games versus Brown and at Duke, the Stags compiled a total of 54 turnovers. However, at Harvard, Fairfield only committed nine turnovers, a season low. “We do want to run,” said Nolan. “But we need to be smart on offense and need to make good decisions.” Stags junior Candice Lindsay came alive for the Stags versus Harvard after being shut out at Duke. After compiling 20 points versus Brown at home, she was unable to score at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Lindsay came back with a strong effort Sunday night, scoring 11 points, grabbing six rebounds, and five steals. “We always think that we can win,” said Lindsay. “We never gave up and tried our best.” If the Stags have demonstrated one unique characteristic so far, it may be their depth. Ten players are averaging better than 10 minutes per game, including three freshmen: Lowenthal (20.3), Lauren Groom (19.7) and Megan Caskin (16.3).
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