PUC Chronicle

Issue date: 12/11/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Ryan Metz Sophomore guard Ashley Sampson waits for an open teammate during Saturday's game against the Davenport University Panthers. Davenport defeated the Lady Peregrines, 66-56.

With a minute remaining in the first half of Saturday's game, senior center Jessica Hamman drove to the basket to score and was fouled. Hamman downed one from the line to tie the game and round off 13 of her 15 points.
Fierce competition arose from the start as PUC (2-8) hosted the Davenport University Panthers (8-4). Davenport finished the game with a 66-56 victory over the Lady Peregrines.
"It doesn't mean anything to say that we played good and still lose," said PUC Head Coach Dennis Smith. "I think we had too many turnovers early on."
The Lady Peregrines got off to a shaky start struggling with bad passes, turnovers and a lack of shooting. PUC did out shoot Davenport percentage wise in both field goals and free throws during the half and throughout the game.
Despite the Lady Panther's good defense and early lead within the first few minutes, PUC fought to keep the score close and trailed entering into halftime, 31-27.
"We started to play more as a team which is what we needed to do," said freshman forward Sara Keilman. "But we need to work on our consistency."
After the break PUC looked like another team, playing better defense and fighting for rebounds. With a quick jump shot and two steals by junior guard/forward Linsey Smith, PUC gained back the momentum that was lost during the first half. Smith ended with 13 points, second in scoring behind Hamman.
The Lady Peregrines kept Davenport to the outside, but the Lady Panthers took advantage and downed multiple three's from the perimeter, stretching their lead to 12.
"Get off the sidelines and start wanting the ball like they want the ball," yelled Coach Smith from the bench.
After a timeout called by PUC,?the Lady Peregrines owned all the momentum. With two steals and three baskets in a row PUC managed to come within six points of the lead, but as the clock wound down their final chance was lost when Davenport downed two consecutive shots with a minute remaining to clench the win.
"It seems like we took a lot of good shots and were able to hold a good team," said Coach Smith. "But you need everything to go right if you want to win."
The Lady Peregrines hope to finish out the year 4-7 as they travel to Goshen, Ind. next weekend to compete in the Goshen Tournament.

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