Crusader Women "Think Pink" And Claim Win

SELINSGROVE, Pa. - Wearing pink shoelaces while the referees blew florescent pink whistles, the Susquehanna women's basketball team was "Thinking Pink" amidst their 81-54 win over Landmark Conference opponent, Goucher College.

The Women's Basketball Coaches Association sponsored a nation-wide "Think Pink" day on Saturday to raise money for breast cancer research. The women's basketball team gathered over $350 as the bleachers filled with pink shirts.

In route to their highest scoring game of the season, Susquehanna opened the game with nine unanswered points tipped off by an Erika Barron (Tamaqua, Pa./Tamaqua) three pointer. Despite the Gophers breaking into scoring at 16:05, the Crusaders were able to keep them at a distance to lead 38-21 at the half.

In the second half, Susquehanna continued to run away with the game sinking 43 points. Goucher put up a strong effort to keep within comeback range until the final five minutes hit. Another Barron three backed by a Bri McNallen (Emmaus, Pa./Emmaus) three at 4:56 gave the Crusaders a 20 point lead.

The pink-laced orange and maroon squad would score 15 down the final stretch, five of which came off the tips of sophomore Renae Marshall (Shippensburg, Pa./Shippensburg Area) to improve to 12-9 overall (5-5 Landmark), while the Gophers fell to 7-13 overall (2-8 Landmark).

Leading the entire game, Susquehanna placed three in double digits. Freshman Rachael Hughes (Gordon, Pa./North Schuylkill) led with 17 points, while Val Houseal (Harleysville , Pa. /Souderton) added 12 and Leigh Henderson (Selinsgrove, Pa./Selinsgrove) 10. Goucher's eight-woman squad was led by Shadae Swan with 22 points.

The Crusaders shot 48 percent from the field and 81 percent from the charity stripe, while the Gophers converted on 33 percent of their field goals and 70 percent from the line.

Landmark Conference play will continue tomorrow as the Crusaders play host to the Catholic University of American and the Gophers travel to Juniata College.