April 1, 2009

Women's Basketball Falls in WNIT Final Four Round

Chestnut Hill, Mass. - The Boston College women's basketball team (23-12) faced South Florida (26-10) for the first time in program history Wednesday evening at Conte Forum, missing a ticket to the WNIT championship round by the score of 82-65.

BC was led by its stellar sophomore, Carolyn Swords, who registered a 22 point, 14 rebound performance, her second consecutive double-double and 14th of the season. Junior Mickel Picco joined the 1,000-point club and recorded a double-digit outing as well, tallying 18 points. Sophomore Lauren Whitehurst contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds, her first career double-double.

The Eagles fell behind 7-3 early on in the first half behind three turnovers and a 1-4 shooting effort. Picco notched the Eagles first points with her 83rd three-point shot of the season. Swords dropped in the team's next two baskets, finishing the half with 12 points to lead the squad. Whitehurst added a total of six points in the half, including a clutch basket to tie the score at 11-11 with 10:10 to go. Eight unanswered points boosted the Eagles to a 19-13 advantage at 7:25. The Bulls answered with a run of their own, tying the score at 21-21 with a little over five minutes to play. Boston College finished the half shooting 5-7 and led by the 32-28 score.

Once again, rebounds were a huge factor for the Eagles in the first half. Altogether the Eagles tallied 22 boards to the Bulls' 13. Boston College combined for a 14-31 halftime shooting performance while South Florida went 11-31. Senior center Brittany Denson led the Bulls with 12 points on 4-6 shooting.