2008 Woodie Awards
Lady Pioneers hang tough, fall short
Justin Abaya
Issue date: 1/28/08 Section: Sports
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The game tipped off just after 6 p.m. Shortly after the opening-tip the Lady Saluqis went into a full-court press that proved effective. Within the first five minutes of the game, the Pioneers had multiple turnovers.
"They couldn't break through their press. I counted at least ten turnovers early and all were because of the defensive pressure being put on the ball," said Robert Bradford, former Vol State student.
But were the Lady Saluqis as good as advertised?
"They were good but most of their points were scored by just two players," said Jessica Sukkert, Lady Pioneers freshman guard.
By the end of the first half the Lady Pioneers were looking at a double-digit deficit to overcome.
The second half began with a Lady Pioneer run that put them within 5 points of the lead.
"After we came back it gave us confidence that we can hang with teams like theirs. We're not that far off," said Sukkert.
The Lady Saluqis quickly regained their composure and pushed the lead back to double-digits.
Vol State had bright spots in the game though. Sophomore forward Tranisha Benton led the Lady Pioneers with 19 points and seven rebounds.
Ashley Harris, sophomore forward from Monterey, also contributed with 13 points and three rebounds.
The Lady Pioneers may have lost the game, but they also proved to themselves they could hang with one of the best teams in the country.
"We felt like we could play with a team of their caliber. When you play a team like that it makes you better in the end," said Sukkert.
The next game for the Lady Pioneers will be on the road against conference rival Columbia State Community College on Jan. 26.
The game is scheduled for 2 p.m. and will be followed by the men's game at 4 p.m.
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