WOMEN'S BASKETBALL FALLS IN ECAC FINAL TO WILMINGTON

3-15-08
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PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The Caldwell College women's basketball team lost to Wilmington University, 83-62 in the championship game of the ECAC Tournament Saturday afternoon at Philadelphia University's Gallagher Center. The Cougars, who were participating in the EACC Championship for the first time, finish the season with a record of 18-12, the program's best record since 2003.

The Wildcats (22-9) broke open a close game with a 15-0 run that put them ahead 26-14 with 9:36 remaining in the first half. Caldwell answered with a 10-2 run late in the first half that cut the deficit to 37-32 with 1:35 on the clock. But Wilmington hit a pair of free throws and a field goal to close out the half and take a 41-32 advantage into the break.

The Wildcats carried the momentum into the second half, reeling off a 14-3 spree over the first four minutes to take a commanding 55-35 lead. The Cougars never came closer than 18 points the rest of the way, as Wilmington cruised to its first ECAC title.

Senior guard Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) scored 12 points to pace Caldwell, while junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) grabbed a team-best eight rebounds to go with seven points. Leary and senior guard Phylicia Holmes were named to the all-Tournament team. Amelia Simmons tallied 20 points and eight boards and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

The game marked the final contest wearing the Scarlet, White and Gold for Holmes, Leary, forward Melissa Freeman (Englewood, NJ/Cresskill) and Khaliqa Davis (Newark, NJ/Bloomfield Tech).

COUGARS DEFEAT PHILADELPHIA, 86-80 IN ECAC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

3-14-08
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PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Senior guard Khaliqa Davis (Newark, NJ/Bloomfield Tech) and junior forward Janay Perkins (Bronx, NY/Walton) each scored 17 points as the Caldwell College women's basketball team beat host Philadelphia University, 86-80 in the semifinals of the ECAC Championship Friday evening at the Gallagher Center. The victory puts the Cougars (18-11) into Saturday's finals, while the Rams end their season at 19-10.

Caldwell led by as many as 18 points in the first half, as the Cougars took a 40-27 advantage into the halftime break. Perkins poured in 11 points and freshman guard Kirsty Leedham (Ellesmere Port, England/Cheshire Acad.) hit two threes in the game's first 20 minutes to help Caldwell take control of the game. The lead grew to as many as 19 points in the second half after Davis' lay-up put the Cougars ahead 68-49 with 6:32 to play. But the Rams did not surrender, as three three-pointers from Amanda Brascetta sparked a 15-6 run that made the score 74-64 Caldwell with just under four minutes to play. Three-pointers from Taylor Magnus and Shaleta Frye helped Philadelphia pull to within four points, 84-80 with 22 seconds left. But the Rams came up empty on their final two possessions as the Cougars avenged a 75-59 loss to Philadelphia back on Feb. 23.

Perkins made 8-of-12 from the field en route to a career-high 17 points to go with six rebounds, while Davis hit 9-of-10 from the line. Leedham finished with 13 points, and senior guard Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) and freshman guard Stephanie Cadet (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial) each tallied 11 points. Leary also grabbed a team-best nine rebounds. Jessica Romano recorded  21 points and 14 rebounds to pace the Rams.

The Cougars, who are making their first appearance in the ECAC Championship, will face Wilmington University in the finals on Saturday, Mar. 15 at 2:00 p.m. The Wildcats defeated Adelphi University, 79-67 in the other semifinal.

CALDWELL SELECTED TO PLAY IN ECAC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

3-10-08
CALDWELL, N.J. - The Caldwell College women's basketball team has been chosen to compete in the 2008 ECAC Division II Women's Basketball Championship, which will be held at Philadelphia University's Gallagher Center Mar. 14-15. The Cougars, seeded third, will face second-seeded Philadelphia on Friday at 5:00 p.m. The other semifinal has top-seeded Wilmington University facing fourth-seeded Adelphi University at 7:00 p.m. The semifinal winners will meet in the championship game on Saturday, Mar. 15 at 2:00 p.m.

"We're excited to be selected to play in the ECAC Tournament and have our season extended," head coach Linda Cimino said. "It's always special anytime you get to play for a championship. We look at it as a reward for the season we were able to have this year, and as something to build on for next year."

The Cougars went 17-11 this season, including a 10-7 mark in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference, for their first winning season in five years. After finishing in third place in the CACC North Division, Caldwell lost to Bloomfield College in the quarterfinals of the CACC Tournament. Friday's game will mark the second meeting between Caldwell and Philadelphia, as the Rams defeated the Cougars 75-59 on Feb. 23 in Philadelphia, Pa.

The ECAC's membership includes 320 colleges and universities from Maine to Georgia and westerly to Illinois. This is the first time the women's basketball team will be participating in the ECAC Championship since Caldwell College became a member of the ECAC in 2004. Caldwell student-athletes have received weekly and year-end honors from the ECAC, and the men's and women's soccer teams and men's basketball team have competed in ECAC championship tournaments.

ECAC Division II Women's Basketball Championship, hosted by Philadelphia University
Semifinals
No. 3 Caldwell (17-11) vs. No. 2 Philadelphia (19-9), 5:00 p.m.
No. 4 Adelphi (14-14) vs. No. 1 Wilmington (20-9), 7:00 p.m.
Finals
Semifinal winners, 2:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BLOOMFIELD ELIMINATES COUGARS FROM WOMEN'S CACC TOURNEY

3-1-08
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BLOOMFIELD, N.J. - The Caldwell College women's basketball team lost to Bloomfield College, 72-59 in the quarterfinals of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Tournament Saturday afternoon in the Bloomfield Gymnasium. The defeat eliminates the third-seeded Cougars (17-11) from the tournament, while the second-seeded Lady Deacons (15-13) advance to Wednesday's semifinal round.

Bloomfield broke open the game with eight straight points to take a 26-12 lead with 9:27 left in the first half. The lead remained 14 points as the Lady Deacons took a 37-23 advantage at the half. Cold shooting plagued the Cougars in the game's first 20 minutes, as the visitors made just 19.4 percent for the floor before halftime. Things didn't get much better for Caldwell in the second half, as the Bloomfield lead grew to as many as 22 points before a late 18-9 run by the Cougars made the final score 72-59.

Junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ, DePaul Catholic) recorded 16 points, 13 rebounds and seven steals to lead the Cougars. Senior guard Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) added 15 points and seven rebounds. Bloomfield was led by Ciera Darby's 13 points and Shantae Barnes' 18 rebounds. The Lady Deacons enjoyed a 57-42 advantage on the boards, while the Cougars swiped 15 steals on the day.

Caldwell's 17 victories this season are the most since the 2002-2003 squad went 21-8. This is the first winning season for the Cougars in five years.

CACC Women's Basketball Tournament
Quarterfinals, Mar. 1
No. 2N Bloomfield 72, No. 3N Caldwell 59
No. 1N Dominican 78, No. 4N Nyack 64
No. 1S Holy Family 60, No. 4S USP 48
No. 2S Wilmington 77, No. 3S Philadelphia 69

Semifinals, Wednesday, Mar. 5
No. 2N Bloomfield at No. 1S Holy Family
No. 2S Wilmington at No. 1N Dominican

Finals, Saturday, Mar. 8
Semifinal winners at highest remaining seed

LEARY REACHES 1,000-POINT MILESTONE IN CALDWELL'S OVERTIME WIN OVER NYACK

2-27-08
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CALDWELL, N.J. - Senior guard Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) scored her 1,000th career point with 8:29 to play in the first half as the Caldwell College women's basketball team outlasted Nyack College, 83-74 in overtime in the regular-season finale Wednesday night in the George R. Newman Center. The victory gives the Cougars a 17-10 overall record and a 10-7 mark in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference, while the Warriors fall to 10-16, 7-10 CACC.

Leary becomes the first Caldwell women's basketball player since 2003 and the 10th since 1987 to reach the 1,000-point milestone. She has played in 104 games for the Cougars. The win also marked the final home game for seniors Leary, Khaliqa Davis (Newark, NJ/Bloomfield Tech), Melissa Freeman (Englewood, NJ/Cresskill) and Phylicia Holmes (Roselle, NJ/Roselle).

After Davis made 1-of-2 from the line for a 68-66 lead with nine seconds left in regulation, Nyack's Shelly Yount took an inbounds pass with two seconds left and hit a lay-up at the buzzer to tie the game at 68-68 and force overtime. The game was still tied at 72-72 with 2:11 remaining in the overtime period when the Cougars hit 9-of-10 from the free throw line while recording four consecutive stops on the defensive end to wrap up the win.

Nyack opened the game with an 11-4 run, but the Cougars battled back to take the lead with eight straight points. Leary's milestone basket came on a jumper from the free throw line that put Caldwell ahead 14-13. The first half remained close, with the Warriors finishing the period with a 10-6 run to take a 30-27 halftime lead. The lead changed hands six times until a basket by junior Janay Perkins (Bronx, NY/Walton) put Caldwell on top, 40-39 with 14:39 to play.

The lead grew to as many as eight points after back-to-back lay-ups by Davis off of steals made the score 57-49 with 7:10 on the clock. Caldwell still led 65-59 with just under two minutes left when Nyack made its move. A conventional three-point play by Tamyra Lathon, followed by two more Lathon free throws pulled the Warriors to within one, 65-64 with 29 seconds remaining. Free throws by junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) made the score 67-64. After a missed jumper by Nyack, Caldwell missed on its next two trips to the line, opening the door for the Warriors. Lathon was fouled and hit two more free throws with 10 seconds to play to cut the lead to 67-66. Davis was fouled and made just 1-of-2 from the line, setting up Yount's game-tying basket at the buzzer.

Lynch and Davis each tallied a game-high 21 points to lead Caldwell. Davis added six assists and five steals, while Lynch grabbed 14 boards and four steals for her ninth double-double of the season. Leary finished with 14 points, five rebounds and three steals, while Holmes totaled nine points, 10 boards and four steals. The Cougar defense hounded the Warriors all game, resulting in 18 steals and 24 Nyack turnovers. Kelsy Mcintosh paced the Warriors with 18 points, while Lathon finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds in the loss. Yount also pitched in 12 points, 13 caroms and five assists.

The Cougars finished in third place in the CACC North Division and will play at Bloomfield College on Saturday, Mar. 1 in the quarterfinals of the CACC Tournament. Game time is set for 2:00 p.m. in the Bloomfield Gymnasium.

LYNCH, LEARY RECEIVE ALL-CACC HONORS

Feb. 27, 2008 - Caldwell College women's basketball players Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) and Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) were included on the all-Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference teams, the league announced today. Lynch made the all-CACC third team, while Leary received honorable mention. The two players have led the Cougars to a 16-10 record and a spot in the CACC Tournament after posting a 9-7 mark in the conference. (more)

LEARY FEATURED IN COURIER NEWS

Feb. 26, 2008 - Caldwell College senior basketball player Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) is featured in the Collegiate Corner of the Courier News today. Click here for the online version.

PHILADELPHIA'S QUICK START DOOMS COUGARS IN WOMEN'S HOOPS

2-23-08
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PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The Caldwell College women's basketball team trailed by 29 points at halftime of a 75-59 loss at Philadelphia University in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game Saturday afternoon at the Gallagher Center. The cold start ended the Cougars two-game winning streak and dropped their conference record to 9-7 (16-10 overall). The Rams improve to 18-8 overall, 11-6 CACC with the win.

Caldwell shot just 22.2 percent (6-of-27) from the field while allowing Philadelphia to shoot 61.3 percent in a disastrous first half that saw the Rams take a 47-18 lead into halftime. The second half improved for Caldwell, as the Cougars used a 23-10 run in the first 11 minutes of the half to cut the deficit to 57-41. The run was capped by back-to-back threes from freshman guard Kirsty Leedham (Ellesmere Port, England/Cheshire Acad.). But the comeback wouldn't get Caldwell closer than 14 points the rest of the way. The shooting fortunes flipped in the second half, with the Cougars making 45.5 percent of their attempts from the floor while holding the Rams to 5-of-25 (20.0 percent) shooting.

Leedham finished with four three-pointers and a team-high 14 points, with senior guard Phylicia Holmes (Roselle, NJ/Roselle) recording 12 points and 11 rebounds. Junior forward Janay Perkins (Bronx, NY/Walton) tallied 13 points, and junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) grabbed a game-high 12 boards. Five Rams scored in double figures, led by 15 points from Jessica Romano and 14 points from Amanda Brennan.

The Cougars wrap up the regular-season schedule with a home game against Nyack College on Wednesday, Feb. 27. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m. in the George R. Newman Center.

CALDWELL TOPS MERCY IN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL, 80-67

2-20-08
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CALDWELL, N.J. - The Caldwell College women's basketball team overcame shooting woes in the second half to defeat Mercy College, 80-67 in a non-conference game at the George R. Newman Center Wednesday night. The victory gives the Cougars a 16-9 record on the season, while the Mavericks drop to 6-18.

The game was halted for 20 minutes midway through the first half due to an injury suffered by senior guard Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata). Leary, who had scored seven points in the game to give her 997 points for her career, took a charge from Mercy's Christina Baxter and fell hard to the floor. She left the game and did not return.

The Cougars took control of the game early with a 20-4 run that included two three-pointers from senior guard Khaliqa Davis (Newark, NJ/Bloomfield Tech) to take a 25-10 lead at the 13-minute mark. The Caldwell advantage grew to as many as 18 points until a pair of threes from Samantha DeVore helped the Mavericks reduce their deficit to 47-33 at the break. Caldwell shot 52.9 percent from the field in the first half, including 4-of-5 from three-point range.

With the Cougars still holding a 57-43 lead, Mercy mounted a comeback by reeling off a 12-5 run to make the score 62-55 Caldwell halfway through the second half. Free throws by junior forward Janay Perkins (Bronx, NY/Walton) and senior guard Phylicia Holmes (Roselle, NJ/Roselle) and baskets from Holmes and Davis allowed the Cougars to maintain the upper hand, leading 70-57 with 7:21 left. Mercy pulled to within eight, 75-67 with 1:22 on the clock, but it was not enough to prevent Caldwell from winning its second straight game. The Cougars made just 25.0 percent of their field goal attempts in the second half.

Holmes finished with a team-best 15 points to go with nine rebounds and three steals, while junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) had 10 boards and 14 points for her eighth double-double of the season. Davis finished with 12 points and five steals, and Perkins pitched in 10 points and eight rebounds. DeVore led all scorers with 20 points for the Mavericks.

The Cougars return to Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference play with a game at Philadelphia University on Saturday, Feb. 23. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m.

LEARY LEADS COUGARS PAST CHESTNUT HILL IN WOMEN'S HOOPS

2-16-08
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PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Senior guard Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) tallied a game-high 21 points as the Caldwell College women's basketball team defeated Chestnut Hill College, 76-55 in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference match-up Saturday afternoon at Sorgenti Arena. Leary's performance leaves her just 10 points shy of 1,000 for her career. The Cougars are now 15-9 overall and 9-6 in the CACC, while the Lady Griffins fall to 3-21, 1-14 CACC.

The Cougars took control of the game from the opening tip, reeling off an 11-0 run in the game's first five minutes. Chestnut Hill, which is competing in the CACC and at the Division II level for the first time this season, battled back with nine straight points midway through the first half to make the score 16-13 Caldwell. Despite shooting 37.1 percent from the floor in the first half, the Cougars maintained the upper hand and took a 35-24 advantage at halftime. Leary notched 13 points to lead all scorers in the first half.

The Lady Griffins were able to reduce the deficit to single digits when a pair of free throws from Jenna Beck made the score 43-34 with 15:48 on the clock. But Caldwell put the hosts in the rear view mirror with a 15-7 run that put the Cougars ahead, 58-41 with 10:33 to play. The Cougars shot the ball better in the second half, making 20-of-38 (52.6 percent) from the floor to build their lead to as many as 23 points.

Leary made 8-of-12 from the field and 5-of-7 from the charity stripe en route to a season-high 21 points. She has scored 990 points in 103 games in her career at Caldwell. Junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) notched 14 points and six rebounds, while freshman guard Stephanie Cadet (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial) recorded team highs of eight rebounds and five assists. The Cougars swiped 13 steals in the game, led by senior guard Khaliqa Davis (Newark, NJ/Bloomfield Tech), who had four. Tara Walsh paced the Lady Griffins with 16 points and nine boards.

Caldwell plays a non-conference home game on Wednesday, Feb. 20 against Mercy College. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m. in the George R. Newman Center.

CALDWELL DROPS NON-CONFERENCE GAME AT DOWLING

2-12-08
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OAKDALE, N.Y. - The Caldwell College women's basketball team lost to Dowling College, 69-57 in a non-conference game Tuesday evening at St. John's University's Eastern Long Island Campus. The result gives the Cougars a 14-9 overall record on the season, while the Lions are now 7-15.

Caldwell fell behind early, trailing 20-7 midway through the first half before battling back late in the half. Two baskets by freshman guard Stephanie Cadet (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial) and three-pointers from junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) and freshman guard Kirsty Leedham (Ellesmere Port, England/Cheshire Acad.) in the final three minutes of the half allowed the Cougars to pull to within three, 34-31 at halftime.

Dowling built the lead up to nine early in the second half before Caldwell reeled off a 13-4 run capped by a three-pointer from Leedham that tied the game at 44-44 with 12 minutes remaining. Junior forward Janay Perkins (Bronx, NY/Walton) scored six points during the run. The Lions answered with a 10-2 run of their own to lead 54-46 with 5:27 on the clock. Another three-pointer and a lay-up by Leedham cut the deficit to 54-51, but an 11-2 spree by Dowling sealed the Cougars' second straight loss. Caldwell made just 30.7 percent of its attempts from the field, while Dowling went to the free throw line 20 more times than Caldwell in the game.

Perkins, pictured, finished with a career-high 15 points and seven rebounds to pace the Cougars, while senior forward Melissa Freeman (Englewood, NJ/Cresskill) swiped a career-best eight steals to help Caldwell record 19 thefts in the game. Leedham had 13 points and senior guard Khaliqa Davis (Newark, NJ/Bloomfield Tech) recorded 10 points and four assists. For Dowling, Shanasia Franklin notched 24 points and eight boards to lead the way.

The Cougars return to Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference play with a game at Chestnut Hill College on Saturday, Feb. 16. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m. in Philadelphia, Pa.

NYACK COMES BACK TO BEAT CALDWELL IN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

2-9-08
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NYACK, N.Y. - Despite leading for most of the game, the Caldwell College women's basketball team lost to Nyack College, 71-66 in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference contest Saturday afternoon at Bowman Gymnasium. The loss ends a three-game winning streak for the Cougars and drops them to 14-8 overall, including an 8-6 mark in the conference. The Warriors, who upset CACC North Division-leading Dominican College on Tuesday, are now 8-12, 5-7 CACC.

Caldwell quickly took control with a 14-3 run to open the game, including six points from senior guard Khaliqa Davis (Newark, NJ/Bloomfield Tech), pictured, and four from freshman guard Stephanie Cadet (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial). Nyack answered with a 12-4 run of its own over the next three minutes to cut the Cougars' lead to 18-15 with 8:23 left in the half. But Caldwell regained the upper hand, allowing Nyack to score just five points over the remainder of the half while scoring 19 for a 37-23 advantage at the break. Senior guard Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) and Davis each scored eight points as the Cougars shot 46.7 percent from the field in the half compared to 31.3 percent for Nyack.

Caldwell maintained its momentum from the second half, building the lead to 20 points, 49-29 with 13:35 left in the game. At that point, the Cougars began to struggle offensively, making just one of their next 11 field goal attempts as the Warriors reeled off an 18-2 run to get back in the game. Christy Porter hit three three-pointers and Kelsy McIntosh made one during the run, which made the score 51-47 Caldwell with just under seven minutes to play.

The Cougars tried to swing momentum back to their side with baskets by Davis and freshman guard Kirsty Leedham (Ellesmere Port, England/Cheshire Acad.) for a 55-47 advantage with 5:47 on the clock. But another three from Porter capped an 11-2 spree that gave the Warriors their first lead of the game, 58-57 with 3:43 remaining. The teams exchanged baskets and the lead until a pair of free throws by Tamyra Lathon put Nyack ahead, 62-61 with two minutes to play. Caldwell missed its next seven shots from the floor as Nyack completed the comeback by scoring the next seven points for a 69-61 advantage.

Davis finished with a team-best 20 points to go with six steals for the Cougars, while Leary and senior guard Phylicia Holmes (Roselle, NJ/Roselle) tallied eight points and 10 rebounds apiece. Leedham and junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) each scored nine points in the loss. Porter made 5-of-5 from three-point range in the second half to finish with a game-high 21 points. Lathon was 11-of-11 from the line en route to 18 points for Nyack.

Next up for Caldwell is a non-conference game at Dowling College on Tuesday, Feb. 12. Game time is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. in Oakdale, N.Y.

COUGARS DEFEAT BLOOMFIELD IN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL, 53-36

2-7-08
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BLOOMFIELD, N.J. - In a defensive battle, the Caldwell College women's basketball team outlasted Bloomfield College, 53-36 in an important Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference contest Thursday evening at the Bloomfield Gymnasium. With the victory, the Cougars (14-7 overall, 8-5 CACC) take over sole possession of second place in the CACC North Division from the host Lady Deacons, who fall to 9-11, 6-5 CACC.

The first half was marred by poor shooting, as the teams combined to make just 18.6 percent from the field for the half. The Cougars managed to take a 21-17 lead at the break, holding the Lady Deacons to four field goals in 28 attempts. Caldwell's lead remained four into the second half at 28-24 with 14:22 on the clock when the Cougars went on a 11-2 run to lead 39-26 midway through the half. The advantage would expand to as many as 19 points, as Caldwell completed the season sweep of Bloomfield with a 17-point victory. The 36 points are the fewest allowed by the Cougars since a 77-33 triumph over Nyack College on Feb. 14, 2004.

Senior guards Khaliqa Davis (Newark, NJ/Bloomfield Tech) and Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) scored nine points apiece for Caldwell. Senior guard Phylicia Holmes (Roselle, NJ/Roselle), pictured, and junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) each pulled down 10 rebounds to help the Cougars dominate the boards, 50-37. Shantae Barnes and Jaleesa Coleman scored six points apiece to pace Bloomfield.

The Cougars play at Nyack College on Saturday, Feb. 9. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m.

WOMEN'S HOOPS COMPLETES SWEEP OVER POST WITH ROAD WIN

2-5-08
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WATERBURY, Conn. - The Caldwell College women's basketball team earned a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference victory on the road against Post University, 89-72 Tuesday night at the Drubner Center. With the win, the Cougars sweep the season series with Post to improve to 13-7 overall and 7-5 in the conference, while the Eagles fall to 4-16, 4-9 CACC.

The Cougars took control of the game midway through the first half with a 10-0 run that gave them a 20-14 advantage with 8:39 left in the half. Junior forward Janay Perkins (Bronx, NY/Walton) and freshman guard Kirsty Leedham (Ellesmere Port, England/Cheshire Acad.) each scored four points in the run. The lead would grow to as many as 10 points four different times in the half, with a three-pointer from freshman guard Abena George (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial) at the buzzer sending the Cougars into the break with a 46-36 lead. Leedham notched 14 points in the game's first 20 minutes as Caldwell shot 54.3 percent from the floor.

The Cougars extended their lead to 56-40 by starting the second half with a 10-4 spree in the first three minutes and 20 seconds. Post cut the lead to 12 points four times, the last time on a basket by Kendra Pitts that made the score 66-54 at the 7:43 mark. But Caldwell maintained the edge the rest of the way, leading by as many as 19 points to cruise to its second straight win and fourth victory in five games. The Cougars, who entered tonight's game ranking sixth nationally in steals with 13.8 per game, recorded 14 steals while scoring 23 points off 25 Eagles turnovers.

Leedham, who attended Cheshire Academy in nearby Cheshire, Conn., finished with a game-high 20 points and six rebounds. The performance marks the second straight game with 20 or more points for Leedham, who was one of five Cougars to score in double figures. Senior guard Khaliqa Davis (Newark, NJ/Bloomfield Tech) and junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) each tallied 14 points, with Lynch grabbing a team-high eight boards. Perkins had 12 points and senior forward Melissa Freeman (Englewood, NJ/Cresskill) made all five of her attempts from the field to finish with 11 points. Forward Stephanie Goss totaled 17 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Eagles.

The Cougars stay on the road to face Bloomfield College in another important CACC North Division match-up on Thursday, Feb. 7. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m. in the Bloomfield Gymnasium.

COUGARS EARN CACC VICTORY OVER FELICIAN, 76-41

2-2-08
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CALDWELL, N.J. - The Caldwell College women's basketball team forced 27 turnovers for the game and shot 53.3 percent from the field in the second half to cruise to a 76-41 victory over Felician College in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game Saturday night in the George R. Newman Center. The win completes the season sweep of Felician and gives the Cougars a 12-7 record on the year, including a 6-5 mark in the conference. The Golden Falcons fall to 3-17, 1-10 CACC.

The Cougars opened the game with a 19-4 run buoyed by six points from senior guard Khaliqa Davis (Newark, NJ/Bloomfield Tech) and five from freshman guard Stephanie Cadet (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial). The lead increased to as many as 18 before a basket by Felician's Breanne DeFalco at the buzzer made the score 33-17 Caldwell at the break.

The Golden Falcons scored the first four points of the second half to pull within 12, 33-21. But a 10-2 run by Caldwell that included a three from freshman guard Kirsty Leedham (Ellesmere Port, England/Cheshire Acad.) boosted the lead to 47-25 with 14:51 remaining. Leedham hit another three-pointer, then converted a conventional three-point play back-to-back to help the bulge grow to 61-31 midway through the half. The Golden Falcons never came closer than 25 the rest of the way as Caldwell picked up its seventh straight win over Felician.

Leedham was 4-of-8 from three-point range and finished with a game-high 21 points, marking the third time this season that she has scored 20 or more points in a game. Senior forward Melissa Freeman (Englewood, NJ/Cresskill), pictured, had 11 points and seven rebounds, while senior guard Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) swiped a career-high six steals to go with 11 points and a team-best eight boards. Leary helped the Cougars finish with 18 steals on the night. Janelle Biamonte paced Felician with 18 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

Next up for Caldwell is a CACC North Division match-up at Post University on Tuesday, Feb. 5. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m. in Waterbury, Conn.

CALDWELL FALLS TO DOMINICAN IN WOMEN'S HOOPS, 74-63

1-30-08
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CALDWELL, N.J. - The Caldwell College women's basketball team lost to Dominican College, 74-63 in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference contest Wednesday evening in the George R. Newman Center. The defeat drops the Cougars to 11-7 overall and evens their conference record at 5-5. The Lady Chargers, who lead the CACC North Division, are now 15-4 overall, 9-1 CACC.

Dominican led by as many as seven points early before a 6-0 run by Caldwell put the host Cougars ahead, 18-17 with 9:18 left in the first half. The Lady Chargers regained the lead with five straight points, then maintained the upper hand for the rest of the half. A pair of free throws by Caldwell freshman guard Abena George (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial) just before halftime made the score 34-29 Dominican at the break.

The Cougars opened the second half with a three-pointer by freshman guard Stephanie Cadet (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial) and two more free throws from George to tie the game at 34-34 with 18:20 remaining. But Dominican answered with a 9-0 spree, including five points from Adele Laskowski, that put the Lady Chargers ahead 43-34 with 14:44 on the clock. Caldwell was able to pull to within three points twice, including 53-50 after a basket by senior guard Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) at the eight-minute mark. But Dominican held off the Cougars each time, eventually building a 13-point lead. The win extends Dominican's winning streak over the Cougars to eight games.

Leary finished with 13 points to pace Caldwell, with Cadet scoring 12 points and George tallying 10 points and three steals. Junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds. Dominican was led by Althea Chambers, who recorded 25 points, six boards, five steals and four assists. Dana Rotio finished with 13 points, five assists and five steals, as the Lady Chargers forced 26 Caldwell turnovers.

The Cougars host Felician College in another CACC North battle on Saturday, Feb. 2. Game time is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in the Newman Center.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TOPS GEORGIAN COURT, 69-53

1-26-08
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LAKEWOOD, N.J. - The Caldwell College women's basketball team earned a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference victory over Georgian Court University, 69-53 Saturday afternoon in Lakewood, N.J. With the win, the Cougars improve to 11-6 overall and 5-4 in the conference, while the Lions drop to 6-12, 3-6 CACC. The victory allows the Cougars to eclipse last year's win total of 10, with 10 regular-season games yet to play. Caldwell hadn't won more than 10 games in a season since the 2003-04 campaign.
 
The Cougars trailed for most of the first half until a 13-2 run put Caldwell on top, 28-24 with 1:28 remaining in the half. A three-pointer by freshman guard Stephanie Cadet (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial), pictured, in the final seconds gave the Cougars a 33-28 advantage at the half. Momentum stayed with the visitors in the second half, as Caldwell built the lead up to 11 points after a lay-up by Abena George (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial) made the score 48-37 with 12:41 left. But the Lions battled back, as Lauren Staats converted a conventional three-point play and hit a three-pointer to cap a 10-0 spree that pulled GCU to within 48-47 at the 10-minute mark.

The Cougars answered with a basket by George and a three-point play from senior guard Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) that made it 53-47 Caldwell. The Cougars’ lead remained six points at 57-51 with five minutes to go when they put the game away with nine straight points for a 66-51 lead with just under two minutes on the clock. Caldwell played most of the second half without junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic), who picked up her fourth foul at the 16-minute mark.

The Cougars forced 27 Georgian Court turnovers while recording 15 steals. Lynch led the way with 15 points and 10 rebounds for her seventh double-double of the season. Cadet, who made three three-pointers, finished with 14 points and three steals. Senior guard Phylicia Holmes (Roselle, NJ/Roselle) tallied 12 points and nine boards, with senior guard Khaliqa Davis (Newark, NJ/Bloomfield Tech) recording five steals to go with eight points and four assists.

Caldwell returns to action on Wednesday, Jan. 30, when the Cougars host Dominican College, which leads the CACC North Division with a record of 8-1. Game time is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in the George R. Newman Center.

CALDWELL THUMPS POST IN WOMEN'S HOOPS, 77-53

1-23-08
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CALDWELL, N.J. - Balanced scoring helped the Caldwell College women's basketball team defeat Post University, 77-53 in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game Wednesday night in the George R. Newman Center. The victory gives the Cougars a 10-6 record on the season, including a 4-4 mark in the conference, while the Eagles drop to 3-13, 3-6 CACC.

The Cougars took control of the game right from the opening tip, scoring the first 10 points in the game's first two minutes and 25 seconds. The lead would grow to as many as 15 points before Post used a 7-0 run to cut the  Caldwell advantage to 33-25 with 2:26 left in the half. But the Cougars ended the first period with a 7-2 spree, buoyed by a three-pointer from freshman guard Stephanie Cadet (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial), that put Caldwell up 40-27 at the break.

Five points by Cadet and six from junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) sparked a 17-4 run over the first 6:26 of the second half that resulted in a 57-31 lead. That run all but locked up the victory for Caldwell, as the Eagles never came closer than 19 points the rest of the way. The Cougars shot 47.1 percent from the floor and forced 27 Post turnovers while committing 15 miscues of their own. The victory allowed Caldwell to match its win total of last season with 11 games yet to play.

Four Cougars, led by Lynch's 13 points, scored in double figures, with nine players scoring at least four points. Cadet finished with 12 points and a game-high seven rebounds, junior forward Janay Perkins (Bronx, NY/Walton) scored 11 points and freshman guard Abena George (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial) had 10 points to match her career high. Post's Mallory Michalak tallied a game-best 16 points in a losing effort.

The Cougars continue CACC play with a game at Georgian Court University on Saturday, Jan. 26. Game time is set for 12:00 p.m. in Lakewood, N.J.

LEEDHAM CHOSEN CACC ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

Jan. 21, 2008 - Freshman guard Kirsty Leedham (Ellesmere Port, England/Cheshire Acad.) was named the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Rookie of the Week for the week ending Jan. 20, the league announced today. This is the second CACC weekly award this season for Leedham, who averaged 19.5 points per game as the Cougars went 1-1 last week. (more)

 

COUGARS FALL TO NO. 11 HOLY FAMILY IN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL, 70-61

1-19-08
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PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The Caldwell College women's basketball team lost a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game at Holy Family University, 71-60 Saturday afternoon in the Campus Center. The result gives the Cougars a 9-6 record on the season, including a 3-4 mark in the conference. The Tigers, ranked 11th in the latest USA Today/ESPN Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll, remain unbeaten at 15-0, 7-0 CACC.

Holy Family took control of the game midway through the first half with a 22-2 run that gave the Tigers a 36-13 lead with just over five minutes left in the half. During the run, Caldwell made just 1-of-10 from the field and turned the ball over six times. The Cougars shot just 25.8 percent from the floor for the half compared to 60.0 percent for Holy Family, which took a 45-23 advantage at the break.

A pair of three-pointers by freshman guard Stephanie Cadet (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial), pictured, helped Caldwell open the second half with a 12-0 spree that cut the Tigers' lead to 45-35 with 15:34 remaining. But a 9-2 Holy Family run that resulted in a 59-41 lead with just under nine minutes to play put the game out of reach for the Cougars, who never got closer than 14 points until the game's final minute. Caldwell shot the ball better in the second half at 45.5 percent while holding the Tigers to 34.4 percent to out-score Holy Family 37-26 after halftime.

Freshman guard Kirsty Leedham (Ellesmere Port, England/Cheshire Acad.) led Caldwell with 16 points and three steals, while Cadet finished with 15 points and two steals. Senior guard Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) and junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) each grabbed seven boards. Catherine Carr tallied 23 points and Christine McCollum had 19 points and nine rebounds to pace the Tigers.

Next up for Caldwell is a CACC home game against Post University on Wednesday, Jan. 23. Game time is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in the George R. Newman Center.

CALDWELL ENDS LOSING STREAK WITH 76-57 WIN OVER BLOOMFIELD

1-16-08
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CALDWELL, N.J. - Freshman guard Kirsty Leedham (Ellesmere Port, England/Cheshire Acad.) scored a career-high 23 points off the bench to lead the Caldwell College women's basketball team to a 76-57 triumph over Bloomfield College in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game Wednesday evening in the George R. Newman Center. The win snaps the Cougars' four-game losing streak and gives them an overall record of 9-5, including a 3-3 mark in the conference. Bloomfield falls to 7-7, 4-2 CACC.

A pair of threes from Leedham sparked a 16-6 Caldwell run that broke open a close game and gave the Cougars a 37-23 lead with 2:37 left in the first half. Leedham was 4-of-5 from three-point range in the first half to help the Cougars take a 42-30 advantage at the break. Conventional three-point plays from senior guards Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) and Khaliqa Davis (Newark, NJ/Bloomfield Tech) sparked an 8-3 run to open the second half. Caldwell's lead would grow to as many as 27 points as Bloomfield never came closer than 17 points in the game's final 10 minutes. The Cougars shot 46.7 percent from the floor while dishing out 21 assists in the game.

The victory also ended an eight-game losing streak to Bloomfield that stretched back to the 2003-04 season. Caldwell's last victory over the Lady Deacons came on Feb. 21, 2004.

Leedham connected on 8-of-12 from the field, including 6-of-8 from three-point range to eclipse her previous career high of 21 set in a win at Bloomsburg University in her first collegiate game. Leary finished with 13 points and a team-best seven rebounds, while Davis and junior forward Janay Perkins (Bronx, NY/Walton) had 12 points apiece. Freshmen Stephanie Cadet (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial) and Abena George (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial) each recorded six assists, with George swiping three steals. Ashley Crenshaw led Bloomfield with 18 points.

The Cougars continue conference play with a game at undefeated and 11th-ranked Holy Family University on Saturday, Jan. 19. Game time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. in Philadelphia, Pa.

DOMINICAN HANDS COUGARS 78-52 DEFEAT IN WOMEN'S HOOPS

1-10-08
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ORANGEBURG, N.Y. - The Caldwell College women's basketball team lost its fourth straight game Thursday night at Dominican College, 78-52 in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference contest. The result gives the Cougars an 8-5 overall record and a 2-3 mark in the conference, while the Chargers improve to 10-2, 4-1 CACC.

The Cougars never led in the game and trailed by as many as 22 points in the first half. Down 38-16 with 4:36 remaining in the half, Caldwell used three-pointers from freshmen Stephanie Cadet (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial) and Kirsty Leedham (Ellesmere Port, England/Cheshire Acad.) to go on a 14-7 run that made the halftime score 45-30 in favor of Dominican. The Cougars, who came into the game averaging 19.8 turnovers per game, turned the ball over 23 times in the first half alone.

Momentum stayed with Caldwell at the start of the second half. A basket by sophomore guard Kate Shutz (Edison, NJ/Edison) completed a 10-5 run that cut the deficit to 50-40 with 14:43 on the clock. But Dominican ended any thoughts of a Cougar comeback with 14 straight points after the midway point of the half, punctuated by back-to-back three-pointers from Kristen Tracey, that gave the Chargers a 72-46 advantage with 3:29 to play. Caldwell, which finished with a season-high 40 turnovers for the game, committed eight miscues during Dominican's 14-0 run. For the game, the Chargers scored 38 points off turnovers compared to 13 for Caldwell.

Junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) led the Cougars with 18 points and 10 rebounds for her sixth double-double of the season. Leedham, pictured, pitched in 10 points and a team-high three assists. Dominican was led by Althea Chambers, who tallied 22 points, 10 boards and six steals, and Dana Rotio, who had 11 points, seven steals and five assists.

The Cougars' next game is on Wednesday, Jan. 16 against CACC North rival Bloomfield College at home. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m. in the George R. Newman Center.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL LOSES TO USP, 62-54

1-8-08
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CALDWELL, N.J. - The Caldwell College women's basketball team dropped a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game to the University of the Sciences, 62-54 Tuesday night in the George R. Newman Center. With the loss, the Cougars fall to 8-4 overall, including a 2-2 mark in the conference, while the Devils win their second in a row to improve to 4-6, 3-1 CACC.

USP broke open a close game by finishing the first half with a 12-2 run to take a 33-21 lead at the half. Caitlin Shaw scored the first seven points of the run for the Devils. The lead would grow to as many as 17 points before the Cougars got back into the game with a 17-6 run that made the score 50-44 with just over six minutes to play. Senior forward Melissa Freeman (Englewood, NJ/Cresskill) tallied all eight of her points during the eight-minute span to spark the run. After the Devils scored six of the next seven points to lead 56-45, Caldwell cut the deficit to six points twice but would get no closer, as the Cougars suffered their third consecutive loss.

Senior guard Khaliqa Davis (Newark, NJ/Bloomfield Tech), pictured, tallied a team-high 15 points and six assists, while senior guard Phylicia Holmes (Roselle, NJ/Roselle) grabbed nine rebounds. The Cougars forced 31 USP turnovers and recorded 19 steals, but were unable to overcome poor shooting from the field, making just 30.5 percent for the game. Shaw led all scorers with 19 points, while Erin Chesnavich recorded 15 points and 11 boards for USP, which connected on 47.8 percent of their field goal attempts.

The Cougars continue CACC play with a game at Dominican College on Thursday, Jan. 10. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in Orangeburg, N.Y.

WILMINGTON EDGES COUGARS IN DOUBLE-OVERTIME THRILLER

1-5-08
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CALDWELL, N.J. - Wilmington University overcame two late deficits to defeat the Caldwell College women's basketball team, 90-82 in double overtime in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference battle Saturday afternoon at the George R. Newman Center. The loss drops the Cougars to 8-3 overall and 2-1 in the CACC, while the Wildcats improve to 8-4, 3-1 CACC.

With the Cougars trailing 62-59 with 2:37 left in the second half, a basket and a conventional three-point play from senior guard Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) put the Cougars ahead 64-62 with 1:14 to go. A lay-up by Wilmington's Kim Parker tied the game at 64-64, but Caldwell answered with a three-pointer from freshman guard Stephanie Cadet (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial), pictured, to take a 67-64 lead with 15 seconds remaining. Jamie Gallagher's three-point attempt was off the mark, with the rebound bouncing off a Caldwell player and out of bounds with 0.9 seconds on the clock. Gallagher caught the inbounds pass on the left side and buried the game-tying three-pointer as time expired.

In the first overtime period, Caldwell jumped out to a 75-69 lead before Wilmington scored the next five points to trail 75-74 with just 16 seconds left. Cadet made 1-of-2 at the line with 11 seconds remaining for a 76-74 lead. Again with time winding down, Parker hit a baseline jumper from the right side to tie the game with two seconds left. A three-point attempt from half court by freshman guard Kirsty Leedham (Ellesmere Port, England/Cheshire Acad.) fell just short, sending the game to a second overtime.

The second extra session was all Wilmington. After Caldwell took a 79-78 lead early, the Wildcats reeled off the next 12 points as the Cougars missed 10 straight field goal attempts. Nordia Henry, Sherrelle Holmes and Amelia Simmons each scored four points in the second overtime to clinch a hard-fought victory.

Both teams held nine-point leads in the first half before Caldwell took a 34-29 advantage into halftime. Neither team led by more than four points in the second half, setting up the exciting finish. The Cougars dished out a season-high 23 assists and out-rebounded Wilmington 55-49, while the Wildcats made 46.1 percent from the field compared to 38.0 percent for Caldwell.

Five Cougars scored in double-figures, led by Leary's 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting. Senior guard Phylicia Holmes (Roselle, NJ/Roselle) recorded 13 points and nine rebounds, Cadet and junior forward Mackenzie Lynch each had 12 and freshman guard Abena George (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial) tallied 10 points and seven assists. Lynch also grabbed a season-high 19 rebounds, including six on the offensive glass. Henry led all scorers with 28 points to go with 13 rebounds, while Simmons finished with 19 points and 15 boards, and Parker had 18 points and six assists.

Next up for Caldwell is another home CACC contest as the Cougars host the University of the Sciences on Tuesday, Jan. 8. The game is set to start at 6:00 p.m. in the Newman Center.

WINNING STREAK ENDS WITH LOSS TO BRYANT IN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

12-29-07
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SMITHFIELD, R.I. - The Caldwell College women's basketball team saw its six-game winning streak come to an end with a 74-55 loss to Bryant University in the final game of the Bryant Holiday Tournament Saturday afternoon. The defeat drops the Cougars to 8-2 on the season, while the Bulldogs improve to 10-2 with their eighth straight victory.

The Bulldogs dominated in the first half, using a 23-3 run to build a 37-11 lead with 2:26 left in the half. Caldwell made just four field goals in the game's first 20 minutes while Bryant held a 33-16 rebounding edge to take a 41-18 lead at halftime. The Cougars made the game more competitive in the second half, pulling to within 15 points after a three-pointer by freshman guard Stephanie Cadet (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial) and a basket from junior forward Janay Perkins (Bronx, NY/Walton) made the score 56-41 Bryant with 9:51 to play. A three-pointer by Cadet and a lay-up from senior guard Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) cut the deficit to 66-53 at the 3:21 mark, but that's as close as Caldwell would get.

The Cougars tallied 18 steals while forcing 33 Bryant turnovers in the game, but it was not enough to offset poor shooting from the field (27.5 percent) and a 54-36 rebounding advantage for the Bulldogs. Leary led Caldwell with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Cadet finished with nine points, four boards, four assists and three steals. Freshman guard Abena George (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial) and junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) each swiped four steals. Lynch, the team's leading scorer, was held to just five points and no field goals in eight attempts. Cara Johnson had 21 points and 11 rebounds, and Kelsey O'Keefe recorded 14 points and 15 boards to help Bryant win its school-record eighth straight game.

Caldwell returns home to host Wilmington College in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game on Saturday, Jan. 5. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m. in the George R. Newman Center.

COUGARS IMPROVE TO 8-1 WITH WIN OVER ST. ANSELM

12-28-07
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SMITHFIELD, R.I. - Junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) recorded 21 points and nine rebounds to lead the Caldwell College women's basketball team to a 76-65 triumph over St. Anselm College at the Bryant University Holiday Tournament Friday afternoon. The victory is the Cougars' sixth in a row and improves their record to 8-1 on the season, while the Hawks fall to 3-7.

Caldwell jumped out to a 30-12 lead in the first half thanks in part to six points each from Lynch, senior guard Khaliqa Davis (Newark, NJ/Bloomfield Tech) and freshman guard Stephanie Cadet (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial). But St. Anselm closed out the half with a 20-7 run to cut the Cougars' lead to 37-32 at the break. The Hawks stayed hot into the second half, using an 18-10 run to grab a 50-47 advantage with 13:28 to play. Erin Higgins had 11 points and hit three three-pointers in St. Anselm's scoring spree.

The Cougars answered with a 9-2 run capped by a basket from senior forward Melissa Freeman (Englewood, NJ/Cresskill) that put Caldwell ahead for good, 56-52 at the 10-45 mark. The Cougars extended their lead with an 11-2 run for a 70-58 advantage with 2:15 remaining. Caldwell shot 47.3 percent from the field while forcing 29 St. Anselm turnovers and swiping 17 steals.

Lynch, who averages team highs of 19-6 points and 10.3 rebounds per game this season, added three assists and two steals. Davis finished with 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field, while recording four assists and five steals. Cadet also scored 14 points and matched Lynch for game honors with nine boards. Higgins led St. Anselm with 21 points while making five three-pointers.

The Cougars continue play at the Bryant Holiday Tournament on Saturday, when they play the host Bulldogs at 3:00 p.m.

WOMEN'S HOOPS DOWNS QUEENS FOR FIFTH STRAIGHT VICTORY

12-21-07
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FLUSHING, N.Y.- Junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) recorded 29 points, 15 rebounds and five steals to lead the Caldwell College women's basketball team to a 74-56 win at Queens College in a non-conference game Friday night at Fitzgerald Gymnasium. The win is the fifth in a row for the Cougars, who improve to 7-1 on the season. Queens is now 2-7 with the loss.

The Cougars took control of the game early and never looked back, leading by as many as 20 points in the first half. Lynch was 7-of-10 from the field in route to 17 points and nine boards in the first half to help Caldwell to a 45-27 halftime lead. The Cougars also forced 18 Queens turnovers in the game's first 20 minutes. The game turned sloppy in the second half, with each team turning the ball over 15 times. The Knights made just 16 field goals in the game while shooting just 28.1 percent from the floor compared to 39.2 percent for Caldwell.

For the game, Lynch made 13-of-24 from the field to record her fourth double-double in eight games this season. Freshman guard Kirsty Leedham (Ellesmere Port, England/Cheshire Acad.) had 11 points, and senior guard Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) totaled eight points and eight rebounds. Queens' Janine Maser scored 11 points and Maryann Welsh added 10 rebounds to go with eight points for the Knights.

The Cougars head to Smithfield, R.I., for a tournament at Bryant University on Dec. 28-29. Caldwell faces St. Anselm College on Friday before facing the host Bulldogs on Saturday. Both games begin at 3:00 p.m.

COUGARS EARN NON-CONFERENCE WIN OVER ADELPHI, 86-73

12-15-07
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GARDEN CITY, N.Y. - Senior guard Khaliqa Davis (Newark, NJ/Bloomfield Tech) scored 20 points to lead the Caldwell College women's basketball team to an 86-73 victory over Adelphi University in a non-conference game Saturday night at Woodruff Hall. With the win, the Cougars improve to 6-1 on the season, while the Panthers fall to 5-4.

The Cougars led by as many as seven points in the second half, taking a 41-34 lead at halftime. Following an Adelphi basket by Mary Lepore, Caldwell scored the next seven points to open the second half with a 48-36 advantage. The lead would grow to 18 points thanks to a 9-1 run that started with a three from Davis, giving the Cougars a 59-41 lead with just under 13 minutes to play. The Panthers got back in the game with a 14-4 run that cut the deficit to 65-57 with 8:22 on the clock. But the Panthers would get no closer, as Caldwell held off Adelphi by making 13-of-16 from the free throw line (81.3 percent) the rest of the way. The Cougars made 26 trips to the charity stripe in the second half, compared to 11 for the Panthers. Caldwell also shot the ball well from the field after halftime, making 54.2 percent (13-of-24).

Davis notched her season-high 20 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the floor, including a pair of threes, and 6-of-8 from the line. She also recorded two assists and two steals. Junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) tallied another double-double with 13 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. Lynch, who was last week’s Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Player of the Week, has recorded three double-doubles this season. Senior guard Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) also scored 13 points, while junior forward Janay Perkins (Bronx, NY/Walton) had 10 points. Lepore led all scorers with 23 points, while Serita Lee grabbed 12 rebounds for Adelphi.
 
Next up for Caldwell is another non-conference game against Queens College on Friday, Dec. 21. The game is set to start at 5:30 p.m. in Queens, N.Y.

LYNCH RECEIVES CACC PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS

Dec. 10, 2007 - Caldwell College junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) was named the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Week for the week ending Dec. 9, the league announced today. Lynch averaged 21.5 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists in two victories for the Cougars, who are 5-1 on the season. (more)

 

WOMEN'S HOOPS TOPS GOLDEY-BEACOM, 72-57

12-8-07
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CALDWELL, N.J. - Junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) recorded 23 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Caldwell College women's basketball team to a 72-57 triumph over Goldey-Beacom College in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference contest Saturday night in the George R. Newman Center. The victory is the Cougars' third straight and improves their record to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in the conference. The Lightning fall to 3-3, 1-1 CACC.

A 13-0 run midway through the first half gave Caldwell a 20-8 advantage with 6:48 to play in the half. But the Lightning got back into the game with a 12-2 run of its own to pull to within two, 22-20 2:34 before halftime. A lay-up by senior guard Phylicia Holmes (Roselle, NJ/Roselle) allowed the Cougars to take a 28-24 lead at the break.

Following Janae Weldon's basket to open the second half, Caldwell used three-pointers by freshman guards Abena George (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial) and Stephanie Cadet (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial) to spark a 16-4 spree that put the Cougars ahead 44-30 with 14:41 on the clock. The Lightning never got closer than 11 points the rest of the way, as the lead would grow to as many as 21 points before Goldey-Beacom twice came within 12 points in the game's final three minutes. The Cougars forced 28 turnovers while committing 16 for the game. Caldwell also overcame poor shooting in the second half (35.0 percent from the field) by grabbing 15 offensive rebounds after halftime.

Lynch, pictured, made 9-of-11 from the free throw line and 7-of-15 from the floor to tally her second double-double this season. She also added three assists and three steals. Cadet, who was 4-of-7 from three-point range, finished with 12 points, while Holmes had 11 points and six boards. Toni Jones had 21 points and 13 rebounds and Kellyn Nolan had 17 points for Goldey-Beacom in a losing effort.

Next up for Caldwell is a non-conference game at Adelphi University on Saturday, Dec. 15. The game is set to start at 5:30 p.m. in Garden City, N.Y.

COUGARS HANDLE CONCORDIA IN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL, 83-40

12-3-07
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CALDWELL, N.J. - The Caldwell College women's basketball team recorded 27 steals in an 83-40 non-conference victory over Concordia College Monday night in the George R. Newman Center. The Cougars improve to 4-1 overall with the win, while the Clippers remain winless at 0-6.

A 14-0 run early in the first half that was punctuated by a pair of threes from freshman guard Kirsty Leedham (Ellesmere Port, England/Cheshire Acad.) put the Cougars ahead 30-9 with 10 minutes to play in the half. Another Leedham three-pointer capped a 12-0 spree that resulted in a 42-13 advantage three minutes before halftime. Caldwell turned up the defensive pressure, forcing 26 Clippers' turnovers in the first half en route to a 46-19 halftime lead. Concordia never reduced the Cougars' lead throughout the second half, as Caldwell held Concordia to 30.4 percent shooting from the field in the second half and 29.3 percent for the game.

Junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) led all scorers with 20 points to go with eight rebounds and four steals. Freshman guard Abena George (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial), pictured, sparked the defense with a career-best six steals. Also contributing were Leedham with 14 points, senior guard Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) with 10 points and four steals, freshman guard Stephanie Cadet (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial) with 11 points, five assists and two steals, and senior forward Melissa Freeman (Englewood, NJ/Cresskill) with eight rebounds. Concordia's Bonnie DeFina was the Clippers' leading scorer with eight points, while Amanda Eggink grabbed 11 rebounds.

The Cougars return to action on Saturday, Dec. 8, when they host Goldey-Beacom College in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference match-up. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. in the Newman Center.

WOMEN'S HOOPS BEGINS CACC SCHEDULE WITH 30-POINT VICTORY OVER FELICIAN

12-1-07
box score
RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The Caldwell College women's basketball team led from start to finish in a 99-69 win over Felician College in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference opener for both teams Saturday afternoon at Job Gym. The result improves the Cougars' overall record to 3-1 on the season, while the Golden Falcons drop to 1-4. Junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) paced Caldwell with 26 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals.

The Cougars used an early 14-4 run to grab a 20-9 lead in the game's first eight minutes. Felician never recovered, trailing by at least 10 points the rest of the way. An 8-1 run to finish the half put Caldwell up 51-32 at halftime for its largest lead of the first period. The Cougars shot 20-of-38 (52.6 percent) from the floor while making 11-of-13 (84.6 percent) from the free throw line in the first half. Turnovers were also a factor in the first 20 minutes, with Felician coughing up the ball 20 times compared to nine miscues for Caldwell.

The lead would grow to as many as 31 points in the second half before the Golden Falcons used a 10-2 spree to reduce the Caldwell advantage to 19, 82-63 with 4:36 on the clock. But the Cougars finished strong with a 17-6 run during the remainder of the contest. Caldwell finished with 16 steals while forcing 33 Felician turnovers in the game.

Lynch made 7-of-10 from the field and 11-of-14 from the charity stripe to record a season-high 26 points. Senior guard Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) pitched in 12 points, three rebounds and three assists, and freshman guard Stephanie Cadet (Elmont, NY/Elmont Memorial) swiped a game-high five steals to go with nine points. All 12 Cougars who saw action in the game scored. Janelle Biamonte had 13 points to pace the Golden Falcons.

Next up for Caldwell is a non-conference home game against Concordia College on Monday, Dec. 3. Game time is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in the George R. Newman Center.

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**For past game stories and box scores, go to the women's basketball schedule page.

 

Archived stories

11-19-07: LEEDHAM SELECTED CACC ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
11-9-07: CALDWELL WOMEN TABBED FOR THIRD IN CACC NORTH
10-9-07: CALDWELL COLLEGE TO HOST MIDNIGHT MADNESS OCT. 14
4-17-07: GEORGES, LYNCH EARN ECAC BASKETBALL HONORS
4-12-07: LINDA CIMINO FEATURED IN PROVIDENCE JOURNAL
4-3-07: LYNCH NAMED FIRST TEAM ALL-MET
2-26-07: LYNCH NAMED TO ALL-CACC SECOND TEAM
1-25-07: MACKENZIE LYNCH FEATURED IN HERALD NEWS
1-12-07: CADET, GEORGE TO JOIN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL SQUAD IN 2007
12-13-06: LYNCH NAMED ECAC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
12-11-06: LYNCH RECEIVES PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS FROM CACC, WBWA
11-14-06: TOURNAMENTS IN PENNSYLVANIA, NEBRASKA HIGHLIGHT COUGAR WOMEN'S HOOPS SCHEDULE
11-9-06: CALDWELL CHOSEN NINTH IN CACC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PRESEASON POLL
7-1-06: CIMINO NAMED ASSISTANT AD/HEAD WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH AT CALDWELL
4-20-06: DURNIEN-AMATO RESIGNS POSTS AT CALDWELL
11-8-05: COUGARS TABBED FOR NINTH IN CACC PRESEASON POLL
12-20-04: COYLE NAMED CACC PLAYER OF THE WEEK

10-26-04: COUGARS PICKED TO FINISH SEVENTH IN CACC PRESEASON POLL

 

 

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