Feb. 11, 2008
PENSACOLA, Fla. - The West Florida Women shot over 40% for the second consecutive game and put away the Chargers of Alabama Huntsville by a 74-65 score. The Argos avenged a 21 point loss to the Chargers last month in Huntsville. Amy Drake hit nine consecutive free throws, with several in the final two minutes to hold the lead for UWF. Chelsea Patterson had a strong game for the Argos with 16 points and five assists. Meanwhile Dominique Boykins chipped in with 14 points and eight rebounds as the Argos improved to 9-14 on the season.
The Argos led 38-26 at the break, but allowed the Chargers to roar back and tie the game at 41. However, UWF used a 9-0 run moments later to regain a lead that they would not let go of. Drake started the run with a jumper in transition, followed by a Boykins layup off a nice pass from Jessie Ivey. Then Drake ended the run with a three poiner, to put UWF up 50-41. After the Chargers closed to within seven points at 60-53 with 4:10 to play, the Argos Tara Russ hit a free throw, followed by two Patterson free throws. A minute later, Patterson and Boykins scored back to back baskets to put UWF by 11. From there, Drake would connect on six straight free throws to seal the win.
Senior Tara Russ contributed nicely off the bench with nine points, seven rebounds, a blocked shot and a steal. Samantha Schlaegel and Karmeshia Easley combined to contribute nine points and three assists. Easley scored on a driving layup early in the first half to help jump start the Argos offense. Laura Davis then scored to put UWF up by 10 in the first half. The Argos led by as much as 15 points near the end of the first half, but had to use a second half run to finally put away the pesky Chargers.
Head Coach Shannan Bergen was pleased with the defensive effort, "we did a good job on their great outside shooters, and the defense kinda fueled our offense. The kids are playing very hard, as they have all year, and now our shots are starting to fall. We need to keep going strong from here."
West Florida will travel to North Alabama for the next game, next Monday night, in a doubleheader with the men. Game time is 6:00 pm for the women's game, followed shortly by the Men's game. Both games will be broadcast on Stretch Internet.
