There was something different in the Field House tonight: The student body wearing pink, Gallaudet basketball team wearing pink, and Gallaudet Head Coach Kevin Cook looking dapper in an all pink suit, and the Gallaudet women played their best game of the season. But it wasn't enough as Gallaudet suffered a tough 54-51 loss to Salisbury.

Gallaudet played outstanding defense throughout the game. holding Salisbury to just 25-63 shooting, as Gallaudet fought back from several deficits to keep the game close.  Salisbury jumped to a quick 8-0 lead before Gallaudet could get their first shot off.  But Gallaudet never quit. 

After a time-out by Coach Cook, Nukeitra Hayes found Amanda Kreiger open for a 3, and the CAC's second best three point shooter, gave Gallaudet their first points of the game. After a Salisbury basket, Gallaudet went on a 9-2 run, including a three by Andrea Amati and a free throw by Kreiger to tie the game at 10-10. The score stayed close the rest of the half, and Gallaudet took the lead after Brittainy Payne rebounded a missed shot and put it back for a 22-21 Gallaudet lead. The half ended with a 25-25 tie. Hayes was double-teamed every time she touched the ball and finished the first half with 4 points.

In the second half, Gallaudet played tough defense and was always pressured Salisbury when they had the ball. Salisbury started the second half with a 6-0 run to take a 31-25 lead. After a Gallaudet time-out Hayes hit a jumped. Salisbury increased their lead to 40-32 with 10:40 left in the game. Salisbury led by at least 9 points most of the rest of the half, but Gallaudet never gave up, and closed the gap to 52-48 with 1:47 left. After a Gallaudet time-out, Hayes, the leading shot blocker in the Capital Athletic Conference blocked the next three Salisbury shots.

But Gallaudet wasn't able to convert on offense, and Salisbury pulled ahead 54-48 on a pair of free throws. Amati sank a three with 1.8 seconds left to close the gap to 54-51.  After a Gallaudet time-out, Galaludet was not able to stop Salisbury from inbounding the ball.

Thanks to Payne, who finished with 10 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals, Gallaudet won the rebounding battle 39-37. Amati provided a spark off the bench with 15 points. Hayes had 9 points, 5 blocks, and 3 steals.

Coach Cook was proud of his team's effort.  After the game he said, "I am extremely proud of our effort tonight!  Everyone was  ready and everyone contributed. Many good things occur with consistent effort  and we will continue to improve!"  Coach Cook also praised the fans who gave the team a big boost tonight.  "I want to thank everyone who attended the game as it was pink zone night for cancer awareness.  Thank you!"

Gallaudet plays the final home game Saturday at 2 pm on Senior Day against St. Mary's College. Seniors Ursa Rewolinski, Vanessa Arp, and Renca Dunn will be honored before the game.