PUC Chronicle

Issue date: 12/4/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Nathyn D. Gibson Junior guard/forward Krystal Rigoni lines up for a free throw during Saturday's 56-45 loss against Siena Heights University.

Media Credit: Nathyn D. Gibson Linsey Smith drives passed the Siena Heights defense during Saturday's game.

The Lady Peregrines hosted the Siena Heights University Saints Saturday afternoon in what was bound to be an intense and aggressive competition from the start. Siena Heights took the game 56-45.
During the second half, a dispute between Head Coach Dennis Smith and a referee resulted in a technical foul against the Lady Peregrines and a rowdy PUC crowd shouted their frustration with the continuous fouls called on their team. Throughout the game, the Lady Peregrines shot 71.4 percent from the line and 37 percent overall. However, both teams battled to control the ball for a combined total of 80 turnovers, 47 of which came from PUC.
The start of the first half showed a lethargic and sloppy PUC team. Bad passes and missed shots hurt the Lady Peregrines and contributed to Siena Height's quick nine point lead.
"Somebody get fired up out there," yelled Assistant Coach Rick Sullivan from the sidelines. "Come on, we want this."
After a fast break and lay-up by sophomore guard Ashley Sampson, with a game total of nine points and two rebounds, the Lady Peregrines seemed to gain the focus and control that was missing and came within five points of the lead. An aggressive PUC fought to close the gap; but came up short 27-19 going into halftime.
Stepping back onto the court after the break, the Lady Peregrines looked focused and ready to play, but two fouls called on PUC within the first minute gave Siena Heights an 11 point lead and additional confidence.
Midway through the second half Siena Heights was leading by 20, despite being down the Lady Peregrines refused to quit. Although PUC attempted to get a hold of every dead ball, turnovers and bad shot choice continued to haunt them throughout the game.
With three minutes left, PUC was down by 15 and began to slowly close the gap. Junior guard/forward Krystal Rigoni picked up a foul and downed both from the line and senior center Jessica Hamman hit two from inside.
Hamman had a game total of 10 points and 10 rebounds, right behind junior forward/center Stephanie Peacock who led the team in scoring with 12 points and five rebounds.
The Lady Peregrines weren't able to catch the Lady Saints in the end.
Siena Heights defeated PUC 56-45.
"If we'd run offense like the last five minutes we'd be able to play anyone," said Coach Smith.

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