Salve, Wentworth Advance to Tip-Off Classic Title Game

Salve Regina 61, Norwich 47 - Box Score

Wentworth 52, Bridgewater State 49 - Box Score 

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. - In women's college basketball action on Friday night, Salve Regina University and Wentworth both advanced to the championship game of the 2007 BSC Subway Tip-Off Classic.  Salve defeated Norwich University, 61-47, in their opening round match-up, while Wentworth knocked off host Bridgewater State College by a score of 52-49.

Tomorrow Bridgewater and Norwich will battle in the consolation game at noon followed by Salve and Wentworth in the tournament championship game at 2.

In the nightcap, despite scoring only one point over the final ten minutes of play, Wentworth held on for the 52-49 win. The Leopards received a 13-point, 13-rebound performance by senior forward Emily Cring (Cicero, NY). Freshman forward Kirsten Vallone (Avon, NY) added 12 points and nine rebounds while sophomore guard Michelle Fauci (Boxford, MA) chipped in with eight points, 11 rebounds, and seven steals.

Bridgewater jumped out to an early 22-9 lead, but were outscored 19-5 over the final eight minutes of the first half as Wentworth took a 28-27 lead into the locker room. The Leopards went on a big 13-0 run midway through the second half to go up 45-34 with 12 1/2 minutes remaining. Wentworth scored their last basket with 10:03 on the clock to take a 51-39 lead. The Leopards, however, would score just one point the rest of the way. BSC closed the gap to 51-49 with 5:14 left as they went on a 10-0 run. The Bears, however, would not score again for the remainder of the game.

Senior forward Colleen Feeney (Providence, RI) posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds while also adding four blocked shots. Her sister Caitlin Feeney (Providence, RI) was the only other Bear in double figures as she scored 14 points to go along with four rebounds, four assists, and four steals.

Wentworth dominated the boards pulling down 61 rebounds, including 25 off the offensive glass. The Leopards, however, turned the ball over 37 times thanks in part to 22 steals by the BSC defense. Neither team shot the ball very effectively with Bridgewater connecting on just 16 of 63 field goal attempts (25.4%).   

In the opening game of the tournament Salve broke open a tight game with an 11-0 run midway through the second half as the Seahawks coasted to the 61-47 victory.

Senior center Allison Moen (Yonkers, NY) had a huge day scoring 19 points on 7 of 11 shooting while also pulling down 17 rebounds and blocking five shots. She set new tournament records with 14 defensive rebounds and her five blocked shots while also tying the tournament mark with 17 total rebounds. Senior forward Kristen Stone (West Roxbury, NY) also posted a double-double for Salve as she tallied ten points and 11 rebounds.

Norwich was led by freshman forward Christine Daniels (Concord, NH) with ten points, five rebounds, and four steals. The Cadets struggled from the floor shooting just 26% (18 for 69). Junior guard Kayleigh Shappy (Burlington, VT) added 13 points as she was a perfect 6 for 6 from the free throw line.