Press Releases

March 24, 2004

Southampton College Lady Colonials Win ECAC Championship
Women Steamroll Philadelphia University on way to ECAC Title

Contact:
Craig Platt
631-287-8313

SOUTHAMPTON, NY- The Southampton College of Long Island University's Women's basketball team shone brightest on Saturday March 13, 2004 as they claimed the 2003 - 2004 Eastern Conference Athletic Championship against Philadelphia University 72 -58. The Lady Colonials finished 19-9 in the regular season, which put them in a tie for second with Philadelphia University in the NYCAC.

Stealing the crown from the two-time defending champs the Lady Colonials were led by tournament Most Valuable Player, senior forward Jill Jensen, who played 27 minutes scoring 17 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. Also with 7 rebounds along with 15 points was junior guard Kiley LaPointe. LaPointe was honored to the All-tournament team. The Lady Colonials played a flawless final game after receiving a bye in the first round. "Every kid played well today," said Coach Pat McGunnigle. "They didn't let the full court press panic them and they simply settled the tempo down and took control of the game. I was very proud of their performance."

The dynamic freshman duo of Leah Getz and Sarah Mahan each played 27 minutes and showed why the future of Southampton College Lady's Basketball has such a bright future ahead of it. Getz started and scored 10 points along with dishing out 5 assists and pulling down 5 rebounds. Coming off the bench Mahan contributed with 8 points and 7 rebounds.

Also coming off the bench was senior co-captain Nyree Frazier who sparked the team with her outstanding free-throw shooting going 8-10 from the charity stripe and scoring 12 points while grabbing 4 rebounds in 28 minutes. The entire team contributed to the effort with every player that suited up stepping onto the floor.

The 2003-2004 Lady Colonials may be the best-stocked team McGunnigle has ever coached. "I am working with quality, skilled kids who are very versatile," he said. "This has been a great team to work with. They really came together and played well."