Queen Bees Put Flames Out
by:
Ryan Holtmann
November
1, 2002 10:26 p.m.
It didn't take long for the No. 16 St. Ambrose University Queen Bees
(1-0) to jump out to an early lead at the first annual Jim Fox
Invitational and grab their first victory of the
season. The 77-70 victory came over a tough and well prepared College of
St. Mary Flames (0-1) team.
It was a combination of nine of ten players scoring for the Queen Bees
that guided them to this victory. Leading the way was Kellie Metz
with 17 points. Metz was playing an unusual position for the first
time. Metz has made the change from center to point
guard.
"It was a little different, but we have been working on it in
practice the whole time," Metz said of the change. "My
teammates really know that it's been a big change for everyone, the people
on the court make it a lot easier."
Metz also grabbed six rebounds and gave out 5 assists.
Also in double digits were Kate Tuttle (15 points, nine assists), Angie
Schinstock (12 points, team high nine boards), and Brooke Vallejo (11
points).
"Even though some of the players only had two points, those points
were big shots and came at the time that we needed them and that is the
kind of mentality we want to have," head coach Ted Eskildsen said of
his teams performance. "I think that they're a group that cares
for each other, likes each other and when the go out on the floor they
give a communal effort. If we can do this, we will be in every
game."
The Queen Bees wasted no time in opening the game up and showing they
were ready to go as Michelle Kurth started things off with a three-point
bucket on the teams first possession. This was the start of an 8-0
run.
"It was important for me to hit my first shot, it kind of gets you
in the flow of the game and feel more comfortable out there and Michelle (Kurth)
hit that three to get us going," Tuttle said of the teams quick
start. "I think that it was important coming out and hitting
the first couple of shots. Last year we got off to slow starts but
this year it was kind of important to come out and hit those first couple
of shots."
Ali Rorah began her college career after a stellar career at Maquoketa
High School. Rorah played about 13 minutes in her debut going 0-3
but grabbed five rebounds and had two blocks.
"Actually I was really surprised," Rorah said of the playing
time. "I knew I would get to play, but I didn't expect to play
this much."
College of St. Mary guard Amy Diedrich left the game early as she took
a knee to her lower back. She was taken to Genesis West for an
examination and her status remains uncertain.
The Flames were led by three players who combined for 75% of the teams
points. Sarah Shafer and Chelsea Malone both scored 18 points and
Erin Corrigan followed with 16 points. Corrigan also grabbed a game
high ten rebounds.
The Queen Bees will face off today against Grace College (1-0) who
defeated Judson College(0-1) 70-65. The championship game will be
held at 3:00 p.m. Judson and College of St. Mary will face off in
the consolation game at 1:00 p.m.
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