Crusaders Kick Off 2008 In Fine Fashion

CLARKS SUMMIT, Pa. - The Susquehanna women's basketball team welcomed their 2008 play with a 54-44 win over Baptist Bible College on Monday evening.

Starting the entire senior squad, the Crusaders jumped off to a strong start and never looked back. The Defenders shot merely 17 percent in the opening half allowing the Crusaders to dominate and carry a 25-10 lead into the locker room.

After trailing by as many as 17 in the first, Baptist Bible came within seven with 3:10 left on the clock; however strong shooting from the charity stripe assured the Crusaders a victory in the final moments.

Defender Naomi Sweeney led the game with 12 points and eight rebounds, followed closely by teammate Liz Bole who netted 11. Courtney Thibeault (Brielle, N.J./Manasquan) and Samantha Jansson (Cumbola, Pa./Nativity BVM) led Susquehanna in points with seven apiece. Four Crusaders followed with six each, proving the team's depth.

Susquehanna revealed its strong bench-presence by scoring 31 of the team's 54 points against the Defenders. The Crusaders (8-4) edged the Defenders (5-3) with a 32-29 percent field goal margin.