Box Score ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Storybook seasons don't always culminate with the happiest of conclusions.
Unfortunately for the Eckerd women's basketball team, its record-setting season came to an abrupt end in heart-breaking fashion on Saturday as the Tritons fell to Rollins, 55-43, in the semifinals of the NCAA South Region Tournament.
After notching the program's first-ever national tournament win one night earlier, the Tritons (27-5) started slowly and never fully recovered.
Rollins jumped out to a 7-0 lead while making it difficult for Eckerd to get into its usual offensive rhythm. Â Eckerd briefly grabbed the lead late in the first quarter and early in the second, but two Brittany Betts free throws with 6:43 to go in the first half gave the Tars a lead they never again surrendered.
The next possession for Rollins, in some ways, told the tale of the night. Â Eckerd's defense resulted in a shot-clock-beating heave from beyond the top of the key by Denise Daniels. Â The shot hit the glass and banked in for a 3-pointer.
The Tritons had no such fortune against a stingy Rollins defense which held EC to a season-low in both points and field goal percentage (23.5 percent).
Still, Eckerd's defense was strong enough to keep the team within striking distance. Â Early in the fourth quarter, it appeared as though the Tritons could make a run.
Overcoming a 12-point third-quarter deficit, EC pulled within four on a
Kacie Juday basket with eight minutes left. Â The Tritons got a stop on Rollins' next possession, giving them a further chance to cut into the lead. Â However, the team failed to get a good shot and Julia Ingler made them pay by drilling a 3-pointer off the right wing to push the lead back to seven.
That shot turned out to be the final nail in the proverbial coffin as the Tritons managed to score just three points in the remainder of the game.
The loss brings an end to a record-setting year for the Eckerd women who claimed the program's first-ever conference championships winning both the regular season and tournament titles. Â Their 27 wins are the most in program history and match the most basketball wins in school history for either team. Â The Tritons also achieved the program's first national rankings, reaching as high as No. 12 in the WBCA Coaches Poll.
Seniors
Victoria Vine,
Ashley Folsom,
Anna Deegan,
Mariam Hannoun,
Sarah Ammons and
Ashley Fyle played their final games in an Eckerd uniform in the defeat. Â Vine was named the SSC Player of the Year while Folsom was a second-team selection.
Rollins advances to Monday's region championship game where the Tars will face the University of West Florida at 7:00 PM.