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BOX SCORE)
Back-to-back three-pointers from freshman Courtney Brown and sophomore
Katy Meyer turned a three-point overtime deficit into a three-point lead as Webster moved to .500 on the season with the 72-68 victory over Rose-Hulman Tuesday in non-conference action at the Grant Gymnasium.
Rose-Hulman scored the first four points in overtime leading to a quick Gorlok timeout. The break seemed to settle down the youthful Webster team as they immediately seized momentum with a 9-2 run. The aforementioned three-pointers were the key in the Gorlok spurt. From there it was a case of handling the RHIT pressure and Rose Hulman missing free throws.
The Engineers missed three straight from the charity stripe following Webster's run. For the game, RHIT managed just 45 percent (15-of-33) from the free throw line. In contrast, the Gorloks converted 75 percent (15-of-20) from the line.
Going into overtime was probably the furthest thing from Webster's mind as they opened up a 10-point lead just eight minutes into the second stanza. The lead was built as the Gorlok defensive quickness and physical nature seemed to rattle the bigger Rose-Hulman team. However, RHIT engineered a comeback - scoring 11 of the next 13 points. But, they couldn't seem to get over the hump in regulation - trimming their deficit to one point on four occasion.
Difficulties at the line reared its ugly head again toward the end of regulation as the visitors had an opportunity to claim their first lead of the second half. However, they split at the line - leaving the game tied. Both teams could have kept the game from entering the extra session, and Rose Hulman had its layup attempt roll around the rim at the buzzer.
Freshman
Tori Fenemor scored a career-high 17 points with four rebounds to lead a trio of Gorloks in double figures. Meyer eclipsed her previous season-high of 15 points with a 16-point, nine-rebound effort, while freshman
Blaire Underwood added 15 points in the victory.
Webster (2-2) steps into SLIAC action on Wednesday, December 3 as they travel to Westminster for a 6 p.m. tip-off.
NOTES
- Senior Erin Chesnek made her first start of the season at point guard. She replaced Courtney Brown to give the Gorloks a bigger presence in the lineup.
- No Rose-Hulman starter was under 5-10, giving the Engineers a decided height advantage. Despite the advantage, RHIT only owned a three-rebound advantage for the game. The Engineers did, however, take advantage in the paint - outscoring the Gorloks, 44-22.
- Webster was 4-of-5 from the field in the overtime session.
- Junior Julie McGirl played 40 of the game's 45 minutes, marking the fourth time in her career she has played at least 40 minutes.
- There were 41 fouls called in the game, yet only one player - Katy Meyer - fouled out. However, five players were on the verge with four fouls.
- The game had 13 lead changes and eight ties.
QUOTES
Head Coach Jordan Olufson
on his first home win
"You have to win at home. It's a good momentum swing for us."
on what he told his team after falling down four in overtime
"This is what we practice for. Get a stop, run our motion, our plays and we get shots."
on taking the lead in overtime
"It was huge. In OT, you have your heels to the wall. It put all of the pressure on them. After we took the lead, we just ran our motion and you could tell all of the pressure was on Rose-Hulman tonight.
Junior Julie McGirl
on the team's effort
"I have played here for two years and have had different coaches. This is finally our team. You could not have asked any more for the girls tonight. ... We have seven freshmen and we have to have them continue to step up for us."
