Gold was the color of redemption for the Gators last Wednesday.
After losing on the road to Earlham over winter break, the Gators proved themselves to be the superior team through their defeat of the Quakers 71–46 at the Gold Rush Game.
Fans did not rush through the door, but a steady stream of the Gator-faithful filtered down the bleachers during the first half. The lure of free root beer floats might have brought them into the stadium, but after some quick threes, a couple of steals and stellar team play the fans remained to watch until the Gators’ sealed a victory.
The trio of Brittany Bell, ’10, Emilie Simone, ’10 and Jill Gregory, ’11 tallied up double digit scoring and Heidi Goeller, ’13, contributed with nine points for the Gators’ second highest scoring total of the season: 71 points.
“We finally got our act together and didn’t play down to our competition,” said Simone.
However, the undefeated Wittenberg Tigers came to Allegheny last Saturday and left with their perfect record intact.
Reminiscent of the basketball clinic they put on against Earlham, the Gators commanded a four point lead going into the half. Despite the Gators’ lead, the second half demonstrated why the Tigers are looking to clinch the number one spot this week with two victories.
Throughout the half, a back and forth duel commenced as the teams traded baskets until the 10–minute mark. At this point, the Gators’ shooting closely resembled the winter storm wreaking havoc in Pittsburgh – cold and chaotic.
Although the Gators lost by eight, they made their presence known as team to be reckoned with during tournament time.
“We all played really hard and had it for most of the game,” said Bell. “They started pounding the ball inside and we couldn’t get the stops.”
Bell, en route to her NCAC Player of the Week selection, recorded 17 points, knocking down five threes in the losing effort to Wittenberg. Bell is the first Gator to receive NCAC Player of the Week this season.
The Gators currently hold a 6–6 record, placing them 5th in the NCAC with four games remaining.
This Saturday the Gators will face fourth ranked Denison at home on Senior Day.
The game will be crucial and it is a must-win if the Gators wish to host a home playoff game.
“Our goal is to win out and get a home playoff game,” Simone said.
