Shorewomen Rebound Over Garnet
SWARTHMORE, Pa.-- Swarthmore junior forward Karen Berk scored a season-high 30 points and classmate Laura Popovics added a season-high 15 points as the Garnet fell to visiting Washington (Md.) 74-62 on Senior Night in Tarble Pavilion.
The Shorewomen (12-12 overall, 6-11 CC) enjoyed a 61-28 rebounding advantage, led by junior Elise Conway's 17 boards. Senior guard LaToya Turner put in a team-high 15 points while freshman Melissa Joseph scored a career-high 13 points in 15 minutes of action.
The Garnet women's basketball team honored the two seniors, captain Jess Fuhr and forward Sam Graffeo, with a pre-game ceremony full of flowers and balloons.
Washington led throughout, shooting 40% from the field to build a 38-33 lead at the intermission. Berk sparkled in the first half for Swarthmore, hitting 7 of 9 from the floor for 17 points. Popovics nailed three triples in the first 20 minutes for 11 first-half points to go along with three steals.
Turner provided the firepower for the Shorewomen, nailing 6 of 9 for 12 points—Turner nailed two fade-away jumpers from the same spot as Washington finished the half on a 6-3 spurt.
The Shorewomen used a 12-5 run at the start of the second half to push their lead to 50-38 with 15:21 to play. Washington used 13 offensive rebounds in the second half to secure its first win over Swarthmore since 1999, a span of 13 games.
Brianne Slizofski scored 11 points for the Shorewomen while Brenda Lucas added 10 points and six rebounds.
Berk finished the night 12 of 18 from the floor and 6 of 10 from the free throw line to hit the 30-point total for the second time in her career (career-best is 33 points, scoring vs. Haverford on Feb. 18, 2006). Berk picks up her Centennial-leading 17th double-double of the season and the 26th straight game she has reached double-digits. She is just the fourth Centennial player to hit the 30-point plateau in 2006-07.
Swarthmore concludes the 2006-07 season this Saturday, Feb. 17 at rival Haverford. Tip is scheduled for 4:00 p.m., following the men's game.