Slow First Half Hurts CUA in 61-40 Loss
O'Keefe and Pokusa each have eight for the game

1/30/2008

CARLISLE, Pa.- A rough start proved to be the Catholic University women's basketball squad's downfall Wednesday evening as the team fell 61-40 to the Dickinson College Red Devils (11-6).  The game was the first of CUA's five-game road trip over the next two weeks.  The Cards now fall to 7-11 on the season.

A shooting drought plagued the Cardinals in the first half as the Red Devils staged a 14-0 run and CUA was unable to hit from the floor until 9:35 when Kerri Confrey (Pearl River, N.Y./Pearl River) hit a three.  The Cards battled back but after spotting the Red Devils a substantial lead they struggled to come back making it 35-13 at the break.

Kaitlyn O'Keefe (Pearl River, N.Y./Pearl River) led the Cards with four points in the first and Confrey added three along with three rebounds.  CUA struggled all around shooting just 26 percent to Dickinson's 38 percent and getting outrebounded 27-12.  The Cardinals also had 15 turnovers to the Red Devils' nine.  Kay Binetti led DC with ten points in the half.

After a disastrous first, CUA came out and played Dickinson even in the second half.  However, even wouldn't be good enough after falling so far behind.  The Cards came within 18 points when Kelly Ryan (Levittown, N.Y./MacArthur) made a jumper at 5:13 but CUA still couldn't make it back falling 61-40.

O'Keefe and Kerrie Pokusa (Cinnaminson, N.J./Cinnaminson) both scored eight points to lead the Cardinals and Christina Rogers (Monmouth Beach, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) added a team-high five rebounds.  The Cards were outshot 40-29 percent and also outrebounded 51-28.  After 15 turnovers in the first half, CUA protected the ball better in the second with just four.  Alesha Sisco was the leading scorer for the Red Devils notching 14 points.

The Cards will travel to the United States Merchant Marine Academy this Friday for a Landmark Conference game at 5:30 p.m.