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Women's Basketball Falls to Host Susquehanna in Tip-Off Tournament Championship

November 18th, 2007
SELINSGROVE, PA - Second year guard and All-Tournament selection Ashley Watkins earned a game high 18 points to lead the Crusaders of Susquehanna University (2-0) past the Soaring Eagles (1-1) in the championship game of the Pepsi-Weis Markets Tip-Off Tournament hosted by Susquehanna University Sunday afternoon.

EC took control of the game early on a Chelsey Kent ’10 (Sherman, NY -- Sherman) jumper which broke the scoreless draw in the opening seconds of the game. From there it was a back and forth battle between two evenly skilled teams. The Soaring Eagles maintained a steady lead over the Crusaders, but were unable to really take control of the first half.

With less than 7 minutes to play EC was clinging to a two point lead, which first year forward and All-Tournament selection Erin Rupell ’11 (Lehighton, PA -- Lehighton) earned on a lay-up. Rupell, who had a solid showing in Saturday’s win over Delaware Valley earned her first career double-double scoring a total of 13 points, while earning 12 total rebounds. Unfortunately, the lead would slip through the Purple and Gold’s fingers in the final minutes of the half. Watkins tied the game at 21-21 when she scored a jumper from inside the paint.

Following the basket the offensive momentum shifted in favor of the Crusaders. Leigh Henderson gave Susquehanna their first lead of the afternoon on a three point basket, which was then followed up by 5 unanswered points. EC did however end the half with a three point basket of their own from first year guard Tesia Kaczynski ’11 (Mansfield, PA -- Mansfield).

After the halftime break Susquehanna managed to find their offensive spark and took control of the second half. The closest the Purple and Gold came from retaking the lead was at the 8:21 mark when Kourtney Troutman ’08 (South Dayton, NY -- Pine Valley) tied the game 39-39 on a three point basket.

Unfortunately the Crusaders were able to separate themselves from EC in the final minutes of the game, and held off a last minute surge to take the championship with a final score of 55-53.

Also earning All-Tournament honors was fourth year guard Bridget Catanese ’08 (Yardley, PA -- Notre Dame) who earned herself a total of 11 points and 9 rebounds against Susquehanna.

The Soaring Eagles return to action Tuesday, November 27th when they head to Rochester, NY to face the University of Rochester at 7 p.m.

Elmira College 53, Susquehanna 55