If history does indeed repeat itself, then the Fairfield women’s basketball team should be very excited about the outcome of last weekend’s games.
The Stags defeated Loyola College, 76-71, Sunday at Reitz Arena in Baltimore, M.D. With the victory, Fairfield improved to 2-0 in conference play. The last time the Stags began a season 2-0 in the MAAC, their season ended with an NCAA tournament berth.
Sabra Wrice ’08 scored a career-high and game-high 26 points for Fairfield Sunday in the win over Loyola. Two days earlier, Wrice led the team in scoring with 18 points in a 74-47 victory at home against Niagara.
Friday night’s blowout was one of the Stags’ best-played games all season. At home at the Arena at Harbor Yard, Fairfield pulled down a season-high 57 rebounds as a team and forced Niagara to commit 22 turnovers. The Stags got great leadership, too. Junior Candice Lindsay added 15 points and senior guard Cara Murphy scored 12.
“We didn’t want them hanging around because Niagara is a good team,” Murphy said. “We needed to build on that and shut them down, and send a message to them and the rest of the MAAC.”
Nolan was impressed with the upperclassmen and their ability to lead.
“We are such a young team that the veterans, regardless of their past playing time, they really need to step up because they’re good leaders and the kids enjoy being with them, so they will listen to them,” she said.
Sunday’s game against Loyola was a lot closer. The Stags led by only three points at halftime, 39-36. Loyola stayed close and with 1:15 remaining took the lead, 69-68. But the Stags would not quit and 24 seconds later, Wrice put them up for good with a lay-up.
Fairfield played great defense and got great free-throw shooting during the late stages of the second half to hold off the Greyhounds. The Stags connected on each of their final eight free-throw attempts during the last 2:31 of the game.
After the first weekend of MAAC play, the Stags sit atop the MAAC standings with a 2-0 record. The victory Sunday improved their overall record to 4-3.
The MAAC conference has noticed the Stags’ fast start. Wrice was named the MAAC player of the week for her efforts. In addition, freshman forward Beandu Lowenthal was named the rookie of the week for the second time. Lowenthal has avaraged six points and six rebounds over her first seven games as a Stag this season.
Stags’ next game is Dec. 17 at the Arena at Harbor Yard against Vermont. Game time will be 7 p.m.
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