FREDERICKSBURG, VA--The Gallaudet Bison visited the University
of Mary Washington with the hopes of an upset to advance in the CAC
Tournament. However, despite an opening 11-minute scoring battle
that had the Bison as close as five points behind the #9 Eagles,
the Eagle perimeter shooting proved too much for the young Bison
team as Mary Washington flew ahead behind All-American Debbie
Bruen's game high 22 points to win, 100-41.
For the Bison to have a chance at topping the Eagles, defense
and solid offense were the keys, since the Eagles had the height
advantage behind their 6'3 All-American center, Liz Hickey.
Turnovers also had to be limited to minimize scoring opportunities
for the Eagles.
After the first eleven minutes, the Eagles broke open with shots
from the perimeter and quick-releasing transition offense.
Nevertheless, the Buff and Blue never gave up, playing hard defense
and working to contain points between the blocks and limiting
backcourt offense.
Guard Pia Marie Paulone took charge of the offense, netting 14
points, six of those from downtown. Forward Brittainy Payne posted
eight points and a team-high four rebounds.
The Bison end their season with a 3-22, 0-14 CAC mark.
Look for the freshman Payne to build on this season as she
currently ranks #2 among CAC freshmen in scoring and rebounding
(Payne is in the top 20 CAC scoring). She leads CAC freshmen in
blocked shots, with 20 on the season. The freshman also is in
the top 10 for field goal percentage, at 24-for-87, or 42
percent. Pia Marie Paulone averaged 8.9 points this season
(top 20 CAC); she's sure to follow suit and have a strong finish in
her senior finale next year.
Seniors Stacy Jones, Tamijo Foronda, Jessica Salisbury and Lori
Hower ended their Bison Basketball careers. Foronda
averaged 10 points a game (top 10 CAC) along with 2.4
steals a game, good to rank fifth conference-wide in
that category. Off the boards, two Bison also ranked: Jessica
Salisbury ranks 6th in the CAC for rebounds, pulling down 7 a
game. Brittainy Payne joins her teammate in the same category,
ranking 5th overall with a 7.3 average.
The Bison have the week off before hitting the weight room for
off-season training next week.
