, NY - The Hunter College women's basketball team put forth a determined effort, but ultimately fell 60-52 in the first round of the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament against the College of New Jersey. The Hawks started strong and seized an 11-4 lead eight minutes into play.
The College of New Jersey regrouped, however, to grab a 30-22 advantage by halftime. In the second half, the host team was able to extend its lead to
19 points, 55-36, with 10 minutes remaining on the clock.
"At that point we knew what we had to do to get back in the game since we had played them before," said senior center Tania Blanco. "We never wanted to let down, so we played together until the last second."
Hunter clamped down on defense to render the College of New Jersey scoreless for the next eight minutes. A furious comeback by the Hawks cut the deficit to 55-50 at the two minute mark. Clutch free throw shooting down the stretch would allow the College of New Jersey to hold on for the win.
This was the Hunter's third consecutive trip to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. "We make progress every year, getting closer and closer," said sophomore point guard Jen Chico Ithier. "We need to get over the hump."
Senior forward Jen Agosto led Hunter with 13 points and five assists in her final game with the Hawks. She finishes her stellar career with 1345 points, fourth in school history, and 271 three-pointers, eighth in NCAA Division III history.
Blanco, who recorded 10 points and 10 rebounds in the game, surpassed the 1000 point mark for her career with two free throws late in the contest.
She ends her four years on the court with 1002 points and 1041 rebounds.
Sophomore forward Jessica Proscia was also solid with 12 points and six rebounds while Ithier contributed seven points and six assists for the Hawks (18-11). Liz Martin scored 14 points and Adrienne Warner added 13 points for the College of New Jersey (19-8).
Hunter
52 - New Jersey 60