University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
Marist
Richmond Women's Basketball Tips Off Season With A 93-85 Victory At Marist
12/22/2000 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 18, 2000
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - Senior forward Carolyn Constantakis (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Catholic) scored 21 points and snared a team-high eight rebounds to pace the University of Richmond women's basketball team to a 93-85 victory over Marist in both teams' season-opener tonight at the McCann Center.
Constantakis led three Spiders in double figures that included freshman guard Amber Goppert's (Constable, N.Y./Franklin Academy) 14 points. In addition, junior point guard Michele Koclanes (Pelham, N.Y./Pelham Memorial), playing before a gathering of family and friends, added 11 points and nine assists.
"Overall, I was pleased with the effort and I though we did a good job dictating the pace of tonight's game," said Richmond head coach Bob Foley. "Having said that, there are some things we can improve upon, particularly at the defensive end of the floor. Carolyn stepped up and played a crucial role for us tonight. She gave us great energy at both ends of the floor."
Mairst was bolstered by guard Marie Fusci's game-high 23 points, while forward Sarah Tift registered 18 points. Joining the tandem in double figures were guard Sabrina Vallery (14 points), guard Elisha De Jesus and forward Jennifer Taylor (10 points).
The Red Foxes jumped out to an early 11-6 advantage, before Richmond staged a 10-0 run to lead 16-11. With the exception of one lead change at 20-18, the Spiders would never trail thereafter. Koclanes and Goppert got things going for Richmond, scoring four points each in the 10-0 stretch. Richmond ballooned its advantage to as many as 12 points in the opening half at 47-35 following a steal and layup at the 1:32 mark by sophomore guard Elise Ryder (Dayton, Ohio/Chaminade Julienne). The two teams traded baskets to close the half and the Spiders owned a 49-40 lead at intermission.
With an active defense and solid perimeter shooting, Richmond spurted on a 14-6 run to commence the second half to open their lead to 63-46. Constantakis delivered eight points in that stretch, including a pair of treys. Following two Fusci free throws at the 4:18 mark, Marist cut the margin to six points at 80-74. However, on the ensuing possession, senior forward Candice Edwards (Newport News, Va./Menchville), who had been held in check for most of the game, hit a key three-pointer at 3:40 that was instrumental in securing the win for the Spiders.
The Spiders, who were ranked eighth in the nation in scoring offense last season, eclipsed the 90-point plateau for the 29th time under Coach Foley. Richmond shot 42.3 percent from the field, 36.8 percent on three's and 83.3 from the foul line for the contest. In addition, Richmond was a perfect 14-of-14 from the charity stripe in the second half.
Richmond returns to action on Tuesday, November 21, visiting Liberty at the Vinnes Center in Lynchburg, Va., with game time slated for 6 p.m.
