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(02/10/03 5:47am)
Prior to Sunday's game against No.15 Minnesota, the IU women's basketball team needed to furiously defend and not let the Golden Gophers attempt easy shots. The Hoosiers (9-11, 2-8 Big Ten) carried that insistent demeanor over to offense, as they continuously drove to and attacked the basket at Assembly Hall.\nIU coach Kathi Bennett said part of the game plan coming in was attacking the basket and the Hoosiers followed the script, despite a 59-56 loss to Minnesota (17-4, 6-4 Big Ten). \n"Early on, they seemed to be calling the game tight, so we knew we could get them in foul trouble," Bennett said. "We wanted to get to the (free throw) line, too, and we knew attacking the basket would get us there."\nIU attempted 19 free throws for the contest, four more than Minnesota. Golden Gopher sophomore center Janel McCarville fouled out of the contest late in the second half after grabbing 14 rebounds and scoring 12 points. On the other side, IU had two players finish the game with four fouls, senior guard Kristen Bodine and freshman forward Brigett Branson.\nIU was able to hold the nation's best field goal percentage team to just under 40 percent for the game, a far cry from their 52 percent shooting entering the game.\nIU insisted on driving the ball to the basket again and again, building a two-point advantage heading into the half. The Hoosiers' game plan was evident as they attempted only one three-pointer in the first period and missed that lone attempt.\nBennett said IU's lack of the three-pointers in the first half was not all bad. It was a reflection of IU's attitude of driving hard to the rim and either getting fouled or scoring, she said. Bennett stressed how offense can translate to defense. \n"Our defense has as much to do with shot selection as anything else," Bennett said. "When we take bad shots, our defense tends to be bad."\nDriving to the basket and shooting in the paint also forces almost every offensive player to rebound. As a result, the Golden Gophers recorded 10 more offensive rebounds than the Hoosiers, which they used to win the game. \n"It's a lot easier when you are rebounding well on offense," freshman guard Cyndi Valentin said. "The team has to scramble to find people to guard, plus it gives you opportunities at easy put-back buckets."\nAnother IU player highlighted the importance of foul trouble and what it was going to take to knock off a ranked opponent.\n"Before this game we emphasized getting their players in foul trouble," said senior guard/forward Jill Hartman, who drilled two three-pointers in the second half. "That was our main point coming into this game. We needed to do that and we did. We were intense also. Our intensity was great."\nAlong with strong play in the paint, comes rebounding and defense. Hartman said she feels confident about IU's defense and thinks it will just be a matter of time before the Hoosiers earn a long-sought after victory.\n"We also felt good about our defense," Hartman said. "If we keep at it, we feel our defense is going to get us a win or two sometime soon. We have to keep fighting"
(02/07/03 6:05am)
Things do not get any easier for the IU women's basketball team. After a game at No. 14 Penn State last Sunday, the Hoosiers (9-10, 2-7 Big Ten) return home to host No. 15 Minnesota this Sunday at 1 p.m. at Assembly Hall. \n"This is a really big game," IU coach Kathi Bennett said. "It's one of the biggest ones of the season. We want to pick up a victory and have to play at a high level of energy if we want to be successful."\nThis game starts the final seven-game stretch of the regular season for IU, four of which are at home. At this point in the season, the Hoosiers are in next to last place in the Big Ten, while Minnesota holds the fourth spot in the conference with a 5-3 record, 16-3 overall. Penn State is in first place with an 8-1 mark. \nThis marks the lone meeting between these two schools this season. Last year, IU lost at Minnesota by 15 points, but the Hoosiers won in Bloomington by 10.\nDespite dropping six consecutive games, IU holds a 4-2 record in its last six games versus ranked Big Ten teams, which gives IU hope on Sunday.\nThe Hoosiers have received quality play from its seniors in recent games, including senior guard Kristen Bodine and senior forward Jill Hartman. Bodine has led the team in scoring the last two games, averaging 17 points as well as dishing out five assists and grabbing four boards in the last two contests. \n"Her body just feels better," Bennett said. "She feels more comfortable I think. She wants it. She realizes this is her last go-around, and she has been aggressive."\nBodine elaborated on her scoring prowess in the last few games.\n"I've got my confidence back in my shot," Bodine said. "Teams have been playing man-to-man and I've been reaping the benefits by beating my man. I've just felt more comfortable, and I've looked more for my shot." \nAt the same time, Hartman has recorded double-figure scoring totals in each of her last two games, scoring 15 points at Iowa and 12 points against the Nittany Lions. She averaged only 4.0 points per game prior to these contests. Hartman will look to be a factor on offense against Minnesota. \n"We need some confidence. (The first 10 minutes) will be huge," Hartman said. "If we can hang with them that will give us some confidence."\nMeanwhile, the Golden Gophers feature last year's All-Big Ten player of the year in junior guard Lindsay Whalen, who averages 22.6 points per game and has scored 430 points this year. In addition, they are led in the paint by sophomore center Janel McCarville, who shoots nearly 70 percent from the field and is a real rebounding threat. \n"We have to get back in transition," Bennett said. "They are number one in the conference in transition offense, so we have to stop them in transition. We also have to stop Whalen from getting to the rim, which she loves to do and keep McCarville off the glass. She is such a powerful rebounder."\nThe Hoosiers have lost a mere two games at Assembly Hall this year, in succession to Wisconsin and Michigan State two weeks ago. \nHartman said it is especially important to protect your home floor in the Big Ten because then you can get on a roll. Hartman added that once you get on a roll by winning several games in a row at home then you hopefully carry that momentum over to the road.\nIU has confidence and they are carrying a no-fear attitude into Sunday's battle with Minnesota. \n"We think we can win," Bodine said. "We haven't been playing well lately, but that can't keep us from playing well in this game. We have to go into this game with a positive attitude"
(01/29/03 5:41am)
Outhustling the opponent for a loose ball, taking four dribbles, outrunning three opposing players and knocking down a seven footer. In only her first season at IU, this act has already become routine for freshman guard Cyndi Valentin.\nDespite two Hoosier losses this past weekend, Valentin, a Bloomington native, tallied 12 and nine points respectively.\nShe has on more than one occasion been knocked to the floor but has quickly rebounded to her feet. The more she gets knocked down the more she seems to play with fire and willpower.\n"She competes so hard and with so much passion," IU coach Kathi Bennett said. "She played incredibly hard this past weekend. Her play was very determined. She was fighting very hard."\nValentin fouled out in the game against Michigan State on Sunday but played 32 minutes and added four rebounds with four steals.\n"Cyndi got after it on defense this past weekend," Bennett said. "She can be a huge scoring threat and has shown the ability to score this year."\nValentin's career-high in scoring came against Illinois State, when she recorded 22 points on 8-for-13 shooting on Dec. 30.\nA 2002 Indiana All-Star, Valentin said basketball fuels her competitive nature. \n"It's something at this level that you have to love to do," Valentin said. "It's something competitive, and I am a very competitive person, so it works out well."\nValentin is scoring at a 10.8 points per game clip, a mark good enough to rank her in the top thirty scorers in the Big Ten. She is first in free throw shooting percentage, shooting 100 percent during conference play. She has converted 24 consecutive free throws, good for second place all-time on the consecutive free throw list at IU. Kristi Green holds the first place spot with 31 consecutive free throws made in 1998. \nSophomore guard/forward Jenny DeMuth said that Valentin takes pride in her performance from the line, and DeMuth said she hopes that will rub off on the rest of the team.\nValentin had her own praise for DeMuth. \n"She is great. She stretches out the defense and gives me very good looks," Valentin said. "Her driving ability allows me to spot up and get open shots."\nWhile Valentin gave credit to DeMuth, DeMuth elaborated on the intangibles of Valentin. \n"Cyndi's a flat-out competitor," DeMuth said. "She's fun to play with. She has a fundamentally sound shot, and she can squeeze her way to the basket."\nDeMuth said the most valuable aspect to Valentin's game is her hustle. Valentin fights for every loose ball and isn't afraid to stick her nose in there, DeMuth said.\n"If she makes a mistake, she takes it in stride," DeMuth said. "She learns from it and moves on. She forgets about it and doesn't let it bother her."\nBennett remembered recruiting Valentin and how Valentin impressed her in high school. She recalled watching Valentin play as a junior at Bloomington High School South. Bennett said she was sitting high up in the gym and kept moving closer because she was so impressed with Valentin's ability. \nValentin still has a good deal of time remaining at IU and needs to continue to improve, Bennett said. Bennett added that if Valentin continues to improve she could be a very solid player and become one of the better players she has ever coached.\n"She can be one of the best players in the Big Ten," Bennett said. "I want her to lead us to a Big Ten Championship."\nWith three full years left at IU, Valentin may do just that.
(01/27/03 5:55am)
The IU women's basketball team dropped two home games over the weekend, a pair of 11-point losses to Wisconsin and Michigan State. \nIU lost a hard-fought contest, 69-58 to Wisconsin on Friday night at Assembly Hall. The Badgers (4-13, 2-5 Big Ten) held the Hoosiers to 31 percent from the field for the game.\n"The team has to take the positives from this game," IU coach Kathi Bennett said. "Even though it was a loss we did some things well. We have to take those positives to the next game. I'll be disappointed if we don't take the positives out of this game to the game on Sunday."\nOn Sunday, IU was defeated by the Spartans (11-7, 4-3) 64-53 at Assembly Hall.\nThe Hoosiers (9-8, 2-5) have lost four consecutive games with their last victory coming against Ohio State at home two weeks ago.\nOn Friday night, the largest single crowd in IU women's basketball history saw the Hoosiers drop the contest to Wisconsin. The record attendance was 7,986 and the crowd was raucous. It marked the first time IU has lost to the Badgers in Bloomington since the 1987-1988 season. \nDespite trailing by as many as 13 points in the first half, IU rallied to within three points at half, 31-28.\n"We felt good at half only being down three," sophomore guard/forward Jenny DeMuth said. "But we didn't take advantage of the opportunities to pull ahead in the second half. We had a chance and let it slip by."\nIU struggled mightily from the free throw line, making only 11-for-25, while Wisconsin shot 82 percent from the charity stripe for the game.\nThe Hoosiers out-rebounded the much taller Badgers by one in the first half, but Wisconsin won the rebounding war for the game, 42-36. IU freshman center Angela Hawkins grabbed 12 boards, the eighth time she has recorded a double-figure rebounding game this year. The 6-3 center added 10 points. \nIU was paced in scoring against the Badgers by DeMuth, who tallied 15 points on 6-of-15 shooting. Freshman guard Cyndi Valentin chipped in 12 points.\nWisconsin coach Jane Albright was proud of the way her team played and particularly the aggressiveness they showed on the court. \n"We were very focused from the get-go," Albright said. "I expect this the rest of the year. We turned the corner and can't look back."\nSophomore guard Stephanie Rich led the Badgers with 24 points, including a perfect 6-for-6 from the three-point arc. \n"We are a reenergized team," Albright said. "I mean we took three charges tonight, and I can't remember the last time we did that in a game. We've been working on that in practice and it paid off tonight."\nBennett remained optimistic after the loss to Wisconsin. \n"The key is to keep getting better," Bennett said. "Even though it was a loss we have to keep getting better and have to stick together. I have confidence in this team and know they can do it."\nIn the loss to Michigan State, IU struggled shooting the ball again, converting only 35 percent (19-54) of their field goals for the game, while the Spartans shot 60 percent (24-40).\nThe 11-point loss was a stark contrast to IU's embarrassing loss in East Lansing, Mich. 10 days earlier, when the Hoosiers lost 70-44.\nThe Hoosiers trailed by two at half on Sunday, but held the lead for much of the first half. \n"For us to win a ball game we have to be consistent with our energy and effort," Bennett said. "We seem to have lapses in games. We go away from what's working. We just lose our way. We have to learn to be a more disciplined team." \nIU was led in the scoring column by senior forward Lisa Eckart, who recorded 16 points on 6-for-17 shooting. Four other IU players scored six or more points, including Valentin's nine points, all of which came on threes in the first half. Eckart added five rebounds as well.\nIU forced over 20 Michigan State turnovers, but committed 19 themselves in a sloppy foul-plagued game.\nSenior forward Syreeta Bromfield led Michigan State with 25 points.\nIU next travels on the road for two games. The Hoosiers square off with Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa on Thursday at 7 p.m. Then, they play at Penn State on Sunday at 1 p.m.\nBennett described what it is going to take to turn the tide and earn a win in the next game.\n"Two things have to happen if we are going to be successful," Bennett said. "And I'm going to be blunt. First, we have to come together as a team. Second, we need leadership. We need somebody to step up and be a leader. That stuff has to happen. It has to"
(01/27/03 5:43am)
The IU women's basketball team dropped two home games over the weekend, a pair of 11-point losses to Wisconsin and Michigan State. \nIU lost a hard-fought contest, 69-58 to Wisconsin on Friday night at Assembly Hall. The Badgers (4-13, 2-5 Big Ten) held the Hoosiers to 31 percent from the field for the game.\n"The team has to take the positives from this game," IU coach Kathi Bennett said. "Even though it was a loss we did some things well. We have to take those positives to the next game. I'll be disappointed if we don't take the positives out of this game to the game on Sunday."\nOn Sunday, IU was defeated by the Spartans (11-7, 4-3) 64-53 at Assembly Hall.\nThe Hoosiers (9-8, 2-5) have lost four consecutive games with their last victory coming against Ohio State at home two weeks ago.\nOn Friday night, the largest single crowd in IU women's basketball history saw the Hoosiers drop the contest to Wisconsin. The record attendance was 7,986 and the crowd was raucous. It marked the first time IU has lost to the Badgers in Bloomington since the 1987-1988 season. \nDespite trailing by as many as 13 points in the first half, IU rallied to within three points at half, 31-28.\n"We felt good at half only being down three," sophomore guard/forward Jenny DeMuth said. "But we didn't take advantage of the opportunities to pull ahead in the second half. We had a chance and let it slip by."\nIU struggled mightily from the free throw line, making only 11-for-25, while Wisconsin shot 82 percent from the charity stripe for the game.\nThe Hoosiers out-rebounded the much taller Badgers by one in the first half, but Wisconsin won the rebounding war for the game, 42-36. IU freshman center Angela Hawkins grabbed 12 boards, the eighth time she has recorded a double-figure rebounding game this year. The 6-3 center added 10 points. \nIU was paced in scoring against the Badgers by DeMuth, who tallied 15 points on 6-of-15 shooting. Freshman guard Cyndi Valentin chipped in 12 points.\nWisconsin coach Jane Albright was proud of the way her team played and particularly the aggressiveness they showed on the court. \n"We were very focused from the get-go," Albright said. "I expect this the rest of the year. We turned the corner and can't look back."\nSophomore guard Stephanie Rich led the Badgers with 24 points, including a perfect 6-for-6 from the three-point arc. \n"We are a reenergized team," Albright said. "I mean we took three charges tonight, and I can't remember the last time we did that in a game. We've been working on that in practice and it paid off tonight."\nBennett remained optimistic after the loss to Wisconsin. \n"The key is to keep getting better," Bennett said. "Even though it was a loss we have to keep getting better and have to stick together. I have confidence in this team and know they can do it."\nIn the loss to Michigan State, IU struggled shooting the ball again, converting only 35 percent (19-54) of their field goals for the game, while the Spartans shot 60 percent (24-40).\nThe 11-point loss was a stark contrast to IU's embarrassing loss in East Lansing, Mich. 10 days earlier, when the Hoosiers lost 70-44.\nThe Hoosiers trailed by two at half on Sunday, but held the lead for much of the first half. \n"For us to win a ball game we have to be consistent with our energy and effort," Bennett said. "We seem to have lapses in games. We go away from what's working. We just lose our way. We have to learn to be a more disciplined team." \nIU was led in the scoring column by senior forward Lisa Eckart, who recorded 16 points on 6-for-17 shooting. Four other IU players scored six or more points, including Valentin's nine points, all of which came on threes in the first half. Eckart added five rebounds as well.\nIU forced over 20 Michigan State turnovers, but committed 19 themselves in a sloppy foul-plagued game.\nSenior forward Syreeta Bromfield led Michigan State with 25 points.\nIU next travels on the road for two games. The Hoosiers square off with Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa on Thursday at 7 p.m. Then, they play at Penn State on Sunday at 1 p.m.\nBennett described what it is going to take to turn the tide and earn a win in the next game.\n"Two things have to happen if we are going to be successful," Bennett said. "And I'm going to be blunt. First, we have to come together as a team. Second, we need leadership. We need somebody to step up and be a leader. That stuff has to happen. It has to"
(01/24/03 5:52am)
The IU women's basketball team (9-6, 2-3 Big Ten) hosts a pair of conference foes this weekend when they play Wisconsin at 7 p.m. tonight and Michigan State at 2 p.m. Sunday at Assembly Hall. Tonight's game is the annual Pack the Hall night, but it has a twist this year.\nIU coach Kathi Bennett will pledge $5,000 of her own money to the Wabash Valley affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer if IU breaks their existing single game attendance record when they host Wisconsin tonight. The previous record is 5,503 fans and was recorded against Purdue almost four years ago. \n"We're struggling to get noticed," Bennett said. "Our attendance figures are way below average in the Big Ten and we want to stop that trend. The other cause is very near and dear to my heart. It's raising awareness about breast cancer. Either way, whether we break the attendance record or not, we are creating awareness."\nSenior forward Lisa Eckart, who played for Bennett at Evansville, concurs with Bennett's assessment.\n"It's a great cause and we need more people to support us," Eckart said. "But the cause is the most important and greatest aspect of Friday night."\nAt the same time, Bennett has her team prepared for the match-ups this weekend.\nFirst is the contest versus the Badgers (3-13, 1-5 Big Ten), a team IU has defeated 13 consecutive times at Assembly Hall. Wisconsin features six players who are six feet or taller, including 6-foot-7 junior center Lello Gebisa.\n"Wisconsin is a lot better than their record," Bennett said. "They have nice size. They are a tall team and their post players are skilled. We are going have to have great ball pressure on defense and keep the ball out of their hands."\nTwo days later, the Hoosiers square off with Michigan State (9-7, 2-3 Big Ten) on Sunday, a team they lost to by 26 points last Thursday in East Lansing, Mich. IU only shot 26 percent from the field in that game and tallied a mere 12 points in the first half. \n"It's still fresh in our minds," senior guard/forward Jill Hartman said. "It was one of those games you don't know what to say about. We can't wait to play Michigan State, but the Wisconsin game is first and we can't look past them."\nThe Hoosiers are led by sophomore guard/forward Jenny DeMuth who ranks 14th in the Big Ten with an average of 13.5 points per game, although the 5-foot-10 DeMuth has scored only 15 combined points in the last two contests. \nFreshman guard Cyndi Valentin recorded 21 points in IU's last game, a 71-68 loss to Michigan on Sunday.\nHartman, who scored eight points against the Wolverines including two threes, stressed the importance of teamwork and playing solid defensively. \n"A huge impact is going to be how well we play together," Hartman said. "We are going to have to play as a cohesive unit. Defense will be essential too. Defense gets us going. It all starts with defense."\nThe Spartans counter with senior forward Syreeta Bromfield who ranks eighth in the conference with just over 15 points per game. \nWhile IU will look to break the attendance record, they also will look to protect their home floor and remain perfect at home this year.\n"We can't let anybody beat us on our home floor," Eckart said. "It's a pride thing. It's pride and having confidence when we play at home."\nBennett said she hopes the team can use this weekend to start a winning streak.\n"Friday-Sunday is a quick turnaround. We usually play Thursday-Sunday if we play twice over the weekend," Bennett said. "It will be good because we need to build toughness. We need to build that toughness and hopefully we can build that toughness this weekend"
(01/21/03 5:47am)
ANN ARBOR, Michigan -- Freshmen guards don't usually bring intangibles like this, but this is no ordinary freshman.\nFreshman guard Cyndi Valentin has been as solid as a rock this year, and it was no different on Sunday in IU's gut-wrenching loss to Michigan 71-68.\nValentin netted 21 points, only one point shy of her career-high. In addition, Valentin, who wears number 3, connected on 4-of-7 three-pointers in the game to help lead the Hoosiers (9-6, 2-3 Big Ten) back from a 16-point deficit in the second half.\nFor Valentin, a Bloomington native, it was just another game.\n"We just passed the ball around well today like the coaches said, and it made it easy for me," Valentin said. "We spread out the zone and did a good job of penetrating and kicking the ball out."\nPrior to the Michigan game, Valentin averaged 10.1 points per contest. If she could continue to average double-figures, she would become only the 15th player in school history to accomplish that feat in her freshman year and the first Hoosier player since Jill Chapman in 1998-1999. \n"Cyndi has had a lot on her shoulders," IU coach Kathi Bennett said. "But she has been really steady. We're asking her to score. We're asking her to defend, endline to endline. We're asking her to take big shots. She has been asked to do a great deal for this team. But she wants to do all that."\nBesides nearly recording a new career-high on Sunday, Valentin was a flawless 5-of-5 from the free throw line. She has converted on 22 consecutive free throws, the second most in IU women's basketball history, next to Kristi Green's 31 straight free throws in 1998. \nThe scrappy guard also added three assists and two steals in the loss to the Wolverines (10-5, 1-3) despite having six turnovers, only one of which was in the final half. \nMichigan coach Sue Guevara praised Valentin and her performance from behind the three-point arc.\n"I happen to have a scout, and that scout said that Valentin and DeMuth were very good at following their shots," Guevara said. "They can shoot the three very well, especially Valentin, and she showed that today, but she follows her shot too." \nValentin's career-high in points is 22 against Illinois State on Dec. 30. She was a perfect 4-of-4 from the charity stripe in that game as well and added four steals.\nEven at the end of the game on Sunday when IU was trailing by three, they looked to Valentin to tie the game, but Valentin's three-pointer from the left wing was too strong.\nBennett said the Hoosiers tried to set up a double-screen for Valentin to come off of, but they just couldn't get the shot to go in. \nRegardless of how many points she scored or how many threes she nailed, her determination might be her biggest asset. A sequence on Sunday illustrates that point. \nIn the first half while Valentin was guarding her man at the top of the key, all of a sudden she was flattened by a screen. The crowd reacted with a collective "Oh'"as she hit the floor. After about two or three seconds on the floor, Valentin got to her feet and appeared to be dizzy. After a Hoosier rebound, Valentin was given an outlet pass and proceeded to dribble the ball the length of the floor and drove the ball hard to the basket. Even though Valentin missed the basket, she was not afraid of getting hit again. This no-fear attitude was present all day on Sunday from Valentin.\nWhen you take all this into consideration, remember she was the smallest player on the floor at 5-foot-8. \n"Cyndi has been big for us all season, and it was no different today," Bennett said. "She's been somebody we can definitely count on to get the job done"
(01/16/03 3:41pm)
The IU women's basketball team duels with Michigan State at 7 p.m. tonight in East Lansing, Mich., at the Breslin Center. The Hoosiers (9-4, 2-1 Big Ten) have won four of their last five games with their lone loss coming against Illinois in Champaign. \n"We have to show consistency," IU coach Kathi Bennett said. "It's tough playing on the road in the Big Ten this year. The parity is the best it's probably ever been. Their average attendance is between 6,000 to 7,000 fans, so we are going to have to battle that crowd."\nA major reason why IU has had success over its last five contests and this season is their defense and rebounding. The Hoosiers rank second in the Big Ten in scoring defense and first in the conference in rebounds per game, even though they have been narrowly out-rebounded in the last five games. \n"Coaches have stressed rebounding from day one," senior guard Kristen Bodine said. "Defensive rebounding is finishing off a defensive stand and there's pride in that."\nFreshman guard Cyndi Valentin, who is the third highest scorer on the team, said she agrees with Bodine.\n"Rebounding is a major part," Valentin said. "It helps the post players. Rebounding is not completely on all of their shoulders. It helps take the pressure off of our low post players."\nFreshman center Angela Hawkins has been fundamental to IU's rebounding. The 6-3 center is averaging 9.3 rebounds per contest and ranks near the top of the Big Ten in that category. \nIU also ranks eighth in the NCAA in field goal percent defense and first in the Big Ten in that category. But Michigan State (8-6, 1-2 Big Ten) is a superior rebounding team, out-rebounding their opponents by over 11 boards per contest.\nThe Hoosiers have won four straight games in the series. Last year, IU edged the Spartans 50-47 at the Breslin Center on Dec. 30. They also defeated Michigan State at home by 12 points. Despite IU's recent dominance over Michigan State, the Spartans lead the all-time series 26-21. \nMeanwhile, Michigan State has won five of its last seven contests, with both losses coming on the road. The Spartans upset then No. 7 ranked Purdue 67-62 on Jan. 6. IU lost to the Boilermakers by two points on Dec. 14. Bennett said IU is going to have to have high energy and play together as well as for each other.\nIU is led by sophomore guard/forward Jenny DeMuth. She has cracked the double-figure scoring mark in nine games this year, most recently Sunday in a comeback win over No. 23 Ohio State when she poured in 21 points. In addition, senior forward Lisa Eckart will look to be a factor in IU's second conference road game of the season. Eckart notched 12 points and added six boards in the Hoosier victory against Ohio State.\nMichigan State counters with two freshmen and a senior. Freshman guard Lindsay Bowen and freshman center Liz Shimek anchor the backcourt and the frontcourt, while senior forward Syreeta Bromfield is the team's leading scorer with 15.3 points per game. \n"They are a very complete team," Bennett said. "Bowen is an excellent three-point shooter and she can put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket. Inside they have Shimek, who has a nice low post presence. Their inside-out game is solid."\nAnother positive for IU has been the play of Valentin. She is averaging over 10 points per game and would become just the 15th player in school history to average a double-figure scoring mark in her freshman year. \nValentin was modest about her scoring feats and performances this year.\n"When anyone scores it's a lift," Valentin said. "Anyone can score, but I try to get open. I try to get my feet set and take good shots or get it to the open man."\nAnother guard, Bodin, said she has developed into a leader at the guard spot and needs to use that to her advantage.\n"I have to lead. As a senior I have to lead, lead by example," Bodine said. "I distribute the ball to shooters, handle the ball and prevent turnovers. I think of myself as a leader."\nBennett said Michigan State's low post players versus IU's low post players would be critical in this game. \nBennett said Bromfield often gets second chance points and that those will be crucial in this contest.\n"It might come down to second chance points," Bennett said. "Who gets the most opportunities at second chance points and who makes the most second chance points"
(01/14/03 5:41am)
IU women's basketball coach Kathi Bennett has always demanded a lot from her players. Now she has asked IU fans to toe the line in the annual Pack the Hall night.\nThe Hoosier coach will pledge $5,000 of her own money to the Wabash Valley affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation if IU breaks their existing single game attendance record when they host Wisconsin on Friday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. at Assembly Hall. The previous record is 5,503 fans.\n"There is a great reward in this, because we are creating awareness, and in the process, getting fans to come watch a very entertaining team," Bennett said.\nIn IU's last home game Sunday, the Hoosiers defeated No. 23 Ohio State 54-50, and a pivotal reason was the crowd. A season-high 2,845 watched the Hoosiers shock the Buckeyes after they trailed by as many as 10 points in the second half.\n"I don't think people have any idea the impact they have. It makes a huge difference," said Bennett, who has compiled a 46-29 record at IU.\nAfter claiming the victory over Ohio State, IU improved to 9-4 overall and 2-1 in the Big Ten.\nHigh school and middle school girls' basketball programs throughout the state of Indiana have been invited to attend this game compliments of IU Athletics.\nVolunteers from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation will be involved on game day, passing out information and educational materials about breast cancer and accepting donations.\nAccording to the organization's Web site, www.komen.org, the mission of the charity is to fight breast cancer through research, education, screenings and treatment. The foundation sponsors an annual Race for the Cure, which drew over 1.3 million participants last year. \nBennett has put together the highest winning percentage through her first two years of any coach in school history with a minimum of 50 games and she wants to create excitement about the IU women's basketball program.\n"Having fans in the stands really is a difference-maker in close games, especially in conference," Bennett said. "This team relies on defense, and defense comes from the heart. Having people in the stands makes us play that much harder. This team works so hard as it is, and they deserve it"
(01/13/03 5:20am)
When they entered the press room after the game, sophomore guard Jenny DeMuth and senior forward Lisa Eckart had smiles on their faces, smiles they could not seem to wipe away. And with good reason as the IU women's basketball team upset No. 23 Ohio State 54-50 Sunday at Assembly Hall in front of a raucous crowd.\n"I just want to thank the IU fans, they were great today," IU coach Kathi Bennett said. "We're very blessed to win this game today. Our staff prepared really well for this game. Everyone did great today with their defensive assignments."\nA crowd of 2,845 turned out, making it the largest crowd to see the Hoosiers play at Assembly Hall since 1998. Sunday's attendance figure was the fourth-highest total in school history.\nThis is the first time that IU has beaten a ranked opponent since March 4, 2002, when the Hoosiers defeated Penn State, 75-72 in the Big Ten Tournament. Furthermore, this is their fourth win in their last six games against ranked teams.\n"We know we can do it," said DeMuth, who paced IU with a game-high 21 points. "This is our gym, no one is going to come in here and win."\nIn the second half Ohio State's offense was on track, and it looked as if IU could do nothing about it. After the Hoosiers missed a lay up, the Buckeyes netted a three-pointer to give Ohio State a 41-31 lead with just over nine minutes remaining in the contest. But IU would not falter. Consecutive three-pointers by Eckart and a lay up by DeMuth brought the Hoosiers back to within two at 41-39 with just under six minutes left. The teams traded baskets until Eckart nailed a three-pointer with just under two minutes remaining.\n"My shots weren't that far off in the first half," Eckart said. "I knew I had to keep shooting, and it paid off."\nEckart recorded three three-pointers in the second despite not making a field goal in the first half.\nIn crunch time, DeMuth came back to steal the ball, then converted a three-point play with 37.2 seconds left to give IU a 49-45 advantage. \n"I was very surprised when I was open and made the three-point play," DeMuth said. "I knew I was going to get fouled, so I pumped fake, drew the foul and still made the lay up."\nAfter the foul, DeMuth was tackled by her teammate Eckart in the wild celebration.\nOhio State answered with a three-point play of its own. After making the free throw, the score stood at 49-48 with 28.3 seconds remaining.\nSenior guard Kristen Bodine then was fouled in the backcourt and went on to hit a pair of free throws. \nAfter DeMuth corralled a defensive rebound, she was fouled and went to the line. DeMuth went on to sink one of two from the line, giving IU a 52-48 advantage with just eight seconds left on the clock. Eckart concluded the scoring for the Hoosiers with two free throws, making the score 54-48. A basket for Ohio State at the buzzer concluded the scoring. \n"He (OSU coach Jim Foster) is one of the best coaches in the country," Bennett said. "And he had his team well-prepared today."\nThe Hoosiers limited Ohio State to shoot only 39 percent from the field for the game.\n"In the first half we didn't allow the ball inside a great deal," Bennett said. "When we did we had real strong double teams. We also got our hands in the passing lanes, which allowed some steals or at least disrupted their offense."\nIU had a season-high 24 turnovers for the game, but they forced Ohio State to turn the ball over 17 times. The Hoosiers also out-rebounded the Buckeyes by five.\nMeanwhile, Eckart finished with 12 points and six rebounds.\nBesides DeMuth and Eckart, the lone Hoosier in double-figures was freshman guard Cyndi Valentin, who tallied 12 points. \nIU travels on the road for its next two contests. The Hoosiers battle with Michigan State on Thursday at 7 p.m. in East Lansing. Then, they take on Michigan on Sunday at 2 p.m.\n"We beat a ranked opponent, which does nothing but build our confidence," DeMuth said. "We knew we could beat them. We played awfully tough today, and we're really happy with the win"
(01/10/03 7:14pm)
Going into winter break, the IU women's basketball team wanted to go undefeated in their four games. Although a loss in their penultimate game against Illinois spoiled those hopes, the team bounced back Thursday night with a win over Northwestern.\nIU improved to 8-4 this year and evened its Big Ten record to 1-1 with the 62-52 win over Northwestern. The Wildcats, who fell to 6-8 overall and 1-2 in the conference, controlled the momentum in the first half, leading by as many as 11 points and leading by seven at half, 30-23. But in the second half, the Hoosiers used a full-court press to increase the pace of the game and trigger easy scoring opportunities. \n"We want to play like we did in the second half all the time," IU coach Kathi Bennett said. "If we were going to win this game we needed to out-hustle (Northwestern)."\nIU did out-hustle the Wildcats on the glass, out-rebounding them by seven for the game, even though Northwestern controlled the rebounds in the first half 22-21. Also, the Wildcats had eight turnovers in the second half compared to just five in the first, most of which came as a result of IU's press.\n"Our intensity was just better in the second half," said sophomore Jenny DeMuth, who scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds. "We have a young team and need to learn to play well for the full 40 minutes."\nMeanwhile, senior Lisa Eckart tallied 10 points and recorded nine rebounds. Eckart agreed with DeMuth's assessment of the game and spoke of the team's struggles in the first period.\n"Coach had us very prepared for this game, we were just lazy on defense," she said. "They were quicker than we thought. On offense in the first half we simply settled for the outside shot. In the second half we drove the ball to the basket much more and that helped us."\nFreshman center Angela Hawkins netted 11 points and corralled 11 rebounds. It was her third double-double this season.\nIU struggled from the free-throw line in the first half, but responded in the second. The Hoosiers shot a mere 4-12 from the charity stripe in the first, but shot 14-18 from the line in the second half. DeMuth was 3-5 from the line for the contest.\nIU next takes on Ohio State on Sunday at Assembly Hall with tip-off at 2 p.m.\n"We proved to ourselves we can play like we did in the second half tonight," Eckart said. "We had a deficit and battled our way back and never gave up. That confidence we can use for later in the season."\nThe Hoosiers began winter break with a win over South Florida 67-60 on Saturday, Dec. 21 in Bloomington to begin the four-game stretch. Next, IU upended Illinois State 71-64 in Normal, Ill. on Monday, Dec. 30. Searching for its fifth win in its last six games, the Hoosiers strolled into Champaign, Ill. to battle Illinois in IU's first conference game of the season. The Hoosiers dropped the contest to the Fighting Illini 63-58 on Jan. 2. \nBefore the four games even began, bad news arrived. Freshman guard Kali Kullberg suffered a season-ending ACL tear in practice Dec. 17. Kullberg scored a career-high 18 points versus Georgetown 10 days earlier.\nEckart recorded 17 points and corralled 15 rebounds in the victory against South Florida on Dec. 21. DeMuth notched 20 points and added nine rebounds. IU forced 23 turnovers by the Bulls en route to the seven-point victory. \nIn the win over Illinois State on Dec. 30, freshman Cyndi Valentin tallied a career-high 22 points.\n"As a whole, it was a hard fought game against Illinois State," Bennett said. "We got some key stops and some key shots. I'm happy with the win."\nBesides Valentin, who was 8-13 from the field, senior Kristen Bodine netted 15 points and chipped in seven assists. DeMuth sat on the bench just six minutes into the second half in foul trouble while Valentin and Bodine responded. DeMuth still added nine points in 29 minutes of action.
(12/11/02 3:34am)
The IU women's basketball team hits the road again and continues its long-traveled pre-conference season tonight. The Hoosiers duel with North Texas in Denton, Texas at 8 p.m. tonight.\nThe Lady Eagles, who have the fourth longest home winning streak in the nation, finished first in the Sun Belt conference last year and compiled an overall record of 21-9 before losing in the first round of the WNIT. \nCoach Kathi Bennett, who is in her third year at IU, is eager for the challenge against North Texas, who have won 15 consecutive home games. \n"All their strengths are stuff we struggle with," said Bennett, who has achieved five 20-win seasons in her 14-year coaching career. "They are a very good team in transition, so we will have to take care of the ball and not turn it over and give them easy scoring opportunities. It will be a great test for us."\nTonight's game marks the first-ever meeting between the two schools. North Texas is 4-2 this year.\nMeanwhile, the Hoosiers are used to traveling on long road trips. In the three trips, IU will have logged 9,046 miles in under 20 days. A week and a half ago, the Hoosiers played in the Great Alaska Shootout where they fell to Nevada in the Championship on Nov. 27. Next, it was to Tallahassee, Fla. where IU dropped its last road contest to Florida State, a 58-47 decision on Tuesday Dec. 3.\nAfter losing to the Seminoles, the Hoosiers recovered by defeating Georgetown 72-65 on Saturday at Assembly Hall. \nWhile IU earned a victory this past weekend to improve to 4-2, Bennett said she would like to see her team improve defensively. IU finished third in scoring defense in the Big Ten last year with teams averaging 63.8 points per game. This season, the Hoosiers are allowing 61.5 points per contest. Nonetheless, Bennett said they could be good defensively and she wants the team to work harder towards that goal.\n"I want us to be a better competitive team for 40 minutes," Bennett said. "Second, I want us to be tough with the ball. Third, we need to finish around the rim. If we do those things, we will have success."\nWith an abundance of freshmen on this team the seniors have taken it upon themselves to lead and show the younger players how to do things. \n"All seniors have the responsibility to be leaders," Bodine said. "(Jill) Hartman shows emotion. Me, I direct on the floor as a point guard. The older players all have responsibility."\nKalli Kullberg, another point guard, has been leading as a true freshman. She said that the Hoosiers are still feeling their way around on the road and the next game is the biggest game of the season. Kullberg added that is how the team has to view every game. \nBennett said it is extremely important to win and establish some momentum heading into the showdown with Purdue on Saturday at the RCA Dome.\n"A victory would be huge," Bennett said. "A win puts the bounce in your step and makes you believe"
(12/09/02 3:29am)
The IU freshmen are growing up in a hurry, and they made their presence known once again Saturday. Their play combined with plenty of free throws and timely senior play, led the IU women's basketball team to beat Georgetown 72-65 Saturday night at Assembly Hall. IU made 30 free throws in a game that featured over 50 fouls.\n"I felt we really needed this win," IU coach Kathi Bennett said. "We knew they would come out and pressure us. We have struggled against pressure in the past, but I think we did a good job of handling it today."\nIU improved to 4-2 on the season and handed Georgetown their first loss to drop them to 5-1. \nFreshman guard Kali Kullberg recorded a career and game-high 18 points to lead the way and also was a perfect 12 of 12 from the free-throw line.\n"Coming off a two-game losing streak it didn't taste good," Kullberg said. "After this win next week in practice it will feel better. It will be easier when it comes to running sprints and working hard."\nKullberg answered the call when sophomore guard/forward Jenny DeMuth got into early foul trouble. DeMuth had three fouls at the half and played just eleven minutes in the first half with two points. \nKullberg connected on free throw after free throw down the stretch, and her ability to find gaps in the defense allowed her to get to the line.\nBennett said Kullberg has definitely shown the ability to get by on the drive. Bennett said she provides the toughness the team needs and emphasized her fearlessness.\nDeMuth, who suffered a mild concussion in the last contest, chipped in 13 points. Freshman center Angela Hawkins finished with ten rebounds. She has nine or more rebounds in the last five games.\nThe freshmen were not the only Hoosiers to play well. \nSenior guard Kristen Bodine tallied ten points, including IU's only two three-pointers.\nIU has struggled from three-point range in its last few games. The Hoosiers are 4-for-27 (.148) from three-point range in the first half of its last four games.\nIn addition to having trouble from the three-point arc, IU missed their share of close-range baskets in the first period. Bennett blamed it on a lack of focus. The team has to do it better in practice so they carry it over to games, she said. She said it is a lack of mental concentration and finishing will help them.\nSenior Lisa Eckart added nine points as well. Right before the half she was fouled attempting a three-pointer. She made two of the three before half to give IU some momentum and a 36-30 lead heading into the break.\nThe Hoosiers have led at the half in three of their four victories, and in their other win they trailed only by one. IU led by as many as nine in a see-saw first half, while Georgetown led by as much as four.\nBesides Kullberg, freshman Cyndi Valentin firmly anchored the guard position. The 5-foot 8-inch guard tallied ten points. \nBennett said she liked the youthful exuberance from the backcourt. \n"They really sparked us off the bench," Bennett said. "Kali was steady. When we moved her to the point she responded. And Cyndi provides instant energy. And on defense they really keep people in front of them. It's a small thing, but makes such a huge difference."\nMeanwhile, Valentin, who has recorded three-double figure scoring games this year, was humble about her performance. \n"I like to help the team anyway I can," Valentin said. "Today, our guards rose to the occasion. Being a guard, that's a good feeling."\nThe Hoyas were led by senior Rebekkah Brunson, who notched 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Brunson fouled out with just over five minutes remaining and IU up by one. In addition, senior Nok Duany, a native of Bloomington and graduate of Bloomington North High School, added eleven points.\nBennett said the Hoosiers were able to get scoring from their guards because Georgetown was the first team this season to front the post, so IU had to use the lob pass to enter the ball into the post. Bennett said sometimes they were sloppy with the lob passes. As a result, IU relied on their guards for offense in a physical affair.\nValentin said Georgetown was physical, mainly in the post. It wasn't bad on the perimeter, she said. \nIU next duels North Texas at 8 p.m. Wednesday in Denton, Texas.\n"After our last game we needed to come out early and establish some momentum," Bennett said. "This game was so important for us.
(12/05/02 5:06am)
Every team needs a player it counts on. They rely on the player when times are tough. For IU women's basketball team, that player is sophomore Jenny DeMuth.\nEarly this season, DeMuth has been playing with a purpose and is determined to lead the Hoosiers back to the NCAA Tournament.\nAs an underclassmen, she has become the undisputed leader on this team. While serving as a leader, she has been scoring a plethora of points and grasping rebounds like she is 6-foot-10-inches, instead of 5-10.\nDeMuth recorded her career-high by scoring 26 points in the Championship of the Great Alaska Shootout against Nevada in a losing effort. She was humble about that performance.\n"I went out and played hard," DeMuth said. "There was no special thing. I just wanted the team to win."\nIn addition to scoring over 20 points for the second time this season in the championship, she corralled seven rebounds and played all but three minutes.\nThat game marked the Hoosiers first loss of the season. As a result, IU looked to earn a victory in the next game against Florida State.\nDeMuth suffered a mild concussion at Florida State on Dec. 3 from hitting the floor hard. As she drove to the basket with nine minutes remaining in the first half she hit her head and suffered the injury. She did return to the contest.\nDeMuth will likely play against Georgetown this Saturday. Her practice timetable is uncertain, but she is listed as likely for Saturday's game, according to IU Athletic Media Relations. She was fully aware of everything after the Florida State game and was very much acting like herself.\nLosing DeMuth for any period of time would hurt the team.\nSenior Lisa Eckart said that the entire team looks to DeMuth and DeMuth knows it. Eckart added that the confidence she provides the team is very beneficial. \n"She is very consistent," Eckart said. "You can always count on her, day in and day out." \nAll facets of DeMuth's game have improved this year, not just her scoring and rebounding. She has learned how to help the other players. Freshman Brigett Branson said that during practices DeMuth will bring her aside and tell her how to run a play better or what she is doing wrong on the court. Branson also highlighted DeMuth's play after five games this year.\n"She's come out very strong," Branson said. "She's improved from last season. She has just been tremendous so far this year."\nAs if averaging nearly 16 points a game and leading by example were not enough, DeMuth has improved from the free-throw line. For example, against Wofford in the Hampton Inn/Fazoli's Classic she was a perfect 14 of 14 from the charity strip.\n"One of my goals coming into this year was to shoot 90 percent or better from the free-throw line," DeMuth said. "I struggled last year from the line and want to improve a lot."\nDeMuth shot 66 percent (84-127) from the line last season. So far, she is shooting 76 percent (28-37) from the free-throw line this year. \nFurthermore, DeMuth notched six double figure scoring games last year. She already has four this season, before getting injured in the last game.\nDeMuth said she did not think she would have to score as much as she has, but is willing to do whatever in order to earn a victory. \n"I believe more in my abilities now," DeMuth said. "My confidence has grown so much compared to last year."\nDeMuth relishes the leadership role and the responsibilities that come with it. DeMuth said she could be a vocal leader and added that she encourages the other players.\nThe IU players concur that DeMuth's demeanor on the floor is contagious.\n"She does all the dirty work," Eckart said. "She's not afraid to stick her head into a pile of players to get the ball. Her rebounding is strong, too, and it often goes unnoticed. It's not necessarily scoring all of the time. She does other things besides scoring."\nDespite how the players perceive DeMuth now, she was a pure scorer in high school. \nShe played at Highland High School in Highland, Ind. and crushed the school scoring record. She tallied 1,829 points for her career. No other player in that school's history had ever scored 1,000 points in a career. DeMuth hopes to make history at IU much like she did in high school. \nBranson summed up DeMuth's all-around game she has displayed this season.\n"She is very versatile. She can shoot the three, post-up, and play point guard," Branson said. "There's nothing she can't do on the court. She is a huge asset"
(12/02/02 4:11am)
Playing in their second tournament in less than a week the IU women's basketball team split a pair of games at the Great Alaska Shootout in Anchorage, Ala.\nThe Hoosiers lost in the Championship game against Nevada 68-56 Nov. 27. A day earlier, IU defeated Eastern Kentucky 61-49. In the championship, sophomore guard Jenny DeMuth poured in 26 points and added seven rebounds, but it was not enough as IU suffered its first loss of the season. The Hoosiers fell to 3-1 on the year. \nIt truly was a tale of two halves. The Hoosiers led 24-8 with just under seven minutes to play in the first half and led by eleven at half. But in the second half the lead would slip away. The Wolfpack exploded with a 31-6 run to open the half, and IU never regained control.\n"I'm really disappointed with our defensive performance in the second half," coach Kathi Bennett said. "We just collapsed. They made their run early in the half, and we fell apart. The adversity actually made us worse, not better." \nIU shot 44 percent from the field in the first half, while Nevada shot a mere 30 percent. In the second, the Wolfpack shot over 50 percent from the field compared to IU's 32 percent. Nevada, who returned three starters from last year, improved to 2-1. \nDeMuth was the lone Hoosier to score in double-figures, but freshman center Angela Hawkins grabbed eleven rebounds. Senior Lisa Eckart chipped in eight points. DeMuth is averaging a little over 19 points per game as a sophomore and is taking reign of the leadership role.\n"I really don't know what happened to us out there," DeMuth said. "In the second half, they were able to just get the ball in the post whenever they wanted and get easy baskets. We didn't pressure their passes enough."\nIU outrebounded Nevada, but that would not help the Hoosiers. The Wolfpack used an offensive explosion to claim the Great Alaska title, their first and marked the first year that Nevada played in the tournament. DeMuth earned All-Tournament honors, while Nevada senior Laura Ingham, a native of Anchorage, tallied a career-best 19 points and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. \nNevada's victory over the host school Alaska Anchorage on Nov. 26 advanced them to the title game.\nDespite committing 39 turnovers, the Hoosiers defeated Eastern Kentucky and won their third consecutive game. IU committed 22 turnovers by halftime, one more than they had committed in two full games prior to Nov. 26.\nDeMuth said Eastern Kentucky was a good experience for IU. She said they are going to see other teams like this, and for them to play like they did and still win is a good thing. She added this serves as a rude awakening and shows them that they have got to be tough with the ball.\nSenior guard Kristen Bodine notched a game-high 17 points, while Hawkins scored ten points and corralled a career-high 13 rebounds. Demuth added 15 points and 11 rebounds to go along with five steals. \nWith the win, Bennett became the second-fastest IU head coach to reach the 40-win mark. Bennett accomplished the act in 65 games.\nThe previous weekend, IU won the Hampton Inn/Fazoli's Classic championship by outlasting Ball State in the title game on Nov. 23. The Hoosiers, who have won three out of their first four games, could not muster enough to win the tournament and said they have a long way to go, especially defensively. \n"In Alaska our defense wasn't working well together," senior Jill Hartman said. "We need to spend a lot of time working on that. We have been working on that in practice now and need to continue to do so. We learned from Alaska, it was a real disappointment but now we know the areas that need more work"
(11/25/02 4:54am)
An assumption about basketball is that experience is invaluable. While that is true, the energy youth brings should not be underestimated. \nThe IU women's basketball team received vigor and quality play from its freshmen this past weekend to claim the championship of the Hampton Inn/Fazoli's Classic. The freshmen foursome of Cyndi Valentin, Angela Hawkins, Brigett Branson and Kali Kullberg greatly contributed to the Hoosiers ninth Classic title. \n"They know what they need to do on the floor," senior guard Kristen Bodine said. "I don't need to tell them too much."\nThe IU freshmen were involved in many key plays in the dramatic double overtime win against Ball State Saturday.\nIn overtime, Valentin, a 5-foot 8-inch Bloomington native, hit an off-balance shot to pull IU within one point. After a Cardinals missed shot, the 6-3 Hawkins corralled the rebound. On the other end, Hawkins converted a lay up to give the Hoosiers their first lead of overtime, 85-84 with 52 seconds remaining. \nAnother freshman play allowed IU to force a second extra period. With one second left in overtime and down one point, Valentin was fouled as she drove to the basket. The scrappy guard missed the first free throw, but calmly knocked down the second to send the contest to a second overtime.\n"Every person on every team has to earn their place," Valentin said. "Just because you're a freshman doesn't mean you have to prove something." \nThe freshmen were called upon yet again and responded. In the second overtime, Valentin made a lay-up off a pass from Bodine to give IU a 96-90 advantage, a lead they would never relinquish. That was followed with a defensive rebound and field goal by Hawkins to extend the lead to eight. Two free throws by Valentin and two more rebounds by Hawkins would seal the victory for the Hoosiers. Valentin finished the game with 12 points and six rebounds. \nCoach Kathi Bennett described the play of Valentin and the intangibles she brings to the floor.\n"She's a reliable player to have as a freshman," Bennett said. "Her game's complete. She's a scorer. She can do other things, but she's mainly a scorer." \nBodine said she could sort of relax and not worry about scoring when other players like Valentin do it.\nMeanwhile, Hawkins earned nine points and grabbed ten rebounds, but Bennett praised her defense on Ball State's primary scorer, senior Tamara Bowie.\nHawkins said she was happy to help the team any way she could. \n"I know my strengths," Hawkins said. "It's so exciting to see the team come together."\nThe quartet of freshmen combined to score 28 points against Ball State. Kullberg tallied only three, but that was a pivotal three-pointer as it gave IU a one point lead with just under nine minutes in regulation.\nBennett and the IU coaching staff were not hesitant to go to the freshmen and go to them often. Trailing 18-5 in the first half the Hoosiers had three freshmen on the floor. Again, in the second half of a close game three freshmen were in the line-up. \nBennett said depth was a factor because of the length of the game and the number of fouls. Bennett added that was one of the differences in the game, the fact that she played more players because she was not afraid to play the freshmen. \nFriday night in a win over Wofford it was the same story. The freshmen left their mark in their first career games. Valentin scored a game-high 16 points in a little more than 20 minutes of action. Branson, who started in both contests, tallied four points, six rebounds and three steals against the Lady Terriers. Meanwhile, Kullberg and Hawkins contributed to an IU bench that outscored the Hoosier starters 49-41. \nBennett said this would help prepare the younger players for Big Ten play, especially after the game with Ball State. \n"They compete, and they're fearless," Bennett said. "They keep learning and keep getting better"
(11/22/02 5:10am)
A little more than eight months ago, the IU women's basketball team lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Hoosiers' magical season ended abruptly and with disappointment. After several practices and two exhibition games this year, IU begins the regular season this weekend along with its quest to return to the tournament. IU hosts the Hampton Inn/Fazoli's Classic as they play Wofford 6 p.m. Friday night at Assembly Hall. The second game between Ball State and Houston is set for 8 p.m. The winners battle in the Championship 4 p.m. Saturday, while the consolation is at 2 p.m.\n"This is a really good tournament," coach Kathi Bennett said. "There are some quality teams. This is probably the toughest IU Classic we've had. It should be interesting to see how we stack up."\nWhile IU lost to Texas Christian University in this tournament last season, Wofford finished 16-13 and was .500 in the Southern Conference. Wofford's expected starting line-up features four underclassmen including two Indiana products. Sophomore guard Ricaye Harris is a graduate of Muncie Central High School, while sophomore forward Maria Renner played in Indianapolis at Decatur Central High School.\nThe Hoosiers have never faced Wofford, but sophomore guard Jenny DeMuth said the team is looking forward to the challenge.\n"If we start off the season well, we will set the tone for the rest of the season," DeMuth said. "We need to come out and compete. This team has a competitive spirit. We have a real desire to play and a will to win."\nIU's probable starting lineup features three upperclassmen. Both seniors Lisa Eckart and Kristen Bodine will see their first full regular season action at Assembly Hall. Eckart sat out last year after transferring from Evansville. Meanwhile, Bodine redshirted a year ago after tearing her ACL. \nIU is the defending Classic champions, as they triumphed over Northern Arizona 61-56 in the championship game last year. In addition, IU has only lost once in the history of the classic, which dates back to the 1993-1994 season. The Hoosiers are looking for a repeat performance this year and continued dominance in this event. \nFreshman guard Cyndi Valentin said it is important to be successful at the beginning of the season, because that is how you measure your progress. At the same time, Valentin said it would be bad to start the season with two losses, but added that would motivate the team more than anything else.\n"We would have to get ourselves out of a slump," Valentin said. "But we don't want to get in a slump in the first place, even though it would motivate us. We should already be motivated."\nThe Hoosiers have won both of their exhibition contests this season. They defeated Premier Sports and the Reebok Lady All-Stars by a combined 48 points. Bennett said she knows it won't be that easy in the regular season.\n"We got better from the first exhibition game to the second and that's important," Bennett said. "Also everyone played, but starting Friday it's going to be a challenge, both physically and mentally." \nIU played transition basketball in its final exhibition contest. The Hoosiers created fast breaks by earning steals and long rebounds to trigger easy scoring opportunities. Running and gunning is something Bennett said she likes her teams to do because it starts with defense, a staple of Bennett squads. Bennett said this team is capable of getting out in the open court. \n"This team has the opportunity to be one of the best transition teams I have ever coached," Bennett said. \nWin or lose, IU will have to come right back and play on Saturday. They will either play Ball State or Houston. The Hoosiers own a commanding 22-3 all-time record versus the Cardinals and hold a 3-0 all-time mark versus the Lady Cougars.\nTwo games in consecutive days means the Hoosiers will receive a conditioning test. Valentin said it will be tough and very intense but welcomes the challenge. \nThe Hoosiers impressed in their final exhibition game last Friday winning against the Reebok Lady All-Stars and scoring 93 points. That team featured a host of stars, but were no match for IU. The Hoosiers hope they can sustain the momentum from last weekend and start the season with consecutive victories.\n"After last weekend, we needed to work on some defensive things," DeMuth said. "Defense is what's going to keep us in games and our defense should lead us this weekend. I can't wait to take the court and play tough defense now that the games really count"
(11/14/02 6:02am)
When junior Jamie Gathing entered the women's basketball game last Friday, she made an immediate impact, tumbled on loose balls, snatched offensive rebounds and found anything she could do to help the team. \nGathing embodies this sweat-at-all-costs mind-set. \nGathing's intense presence on the court was one reason IU was victorious Nov. 8 against Premier Sports. The stats might not show she had a good game, as she failed to reach double-digits, but her demeanor on the court insists otherwise. Gathing's plunging after loose balls, forcing turnovers and hitting the boards was arguably better than any other Hoosier player in the team's first preseason game.\n"I can bring sparks of energy," Gathing said. "Not so much scoring, but hustle. I make hustle plays and can inspire others to do the same. My role on this team is to be vocal. I can keep things together. I do other things besides scoring."\nGathing only started one game last year, while averaging 2.3 points per contest, but other players fed off her rousing energy.\nSenior Jill Hartman said it is beneficial to the team to have such a dedicated worker. \n"Players see her hustling, and it rubs off on them," Hartman said. "You can't sit and watch. It makes you want to work so much harder."\nCoach Kathi Bennett said she agrees with the senior guard.\n"Jamie is such a fearless competitor," Bennett said. "I respect her so much. She always practices hard, and I'm most impressed with her work ethic. Both in practices and in games, she never takes any possessions off."\nMeanwhile, Gathing is used to adversity as she has suffered a multitude of injuries.\nShe underwent off-season knee surgery. Two years ago, she redshirted the season after having surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee. She sustained the injury while participating in training camp for the Big Ten All-Star Tour. Gathing said she did not realize the true nature and impact of her ACL injury until a few weeks later.\nGathing described how Bennett has helped her and her recovery process. Gathing said Bennett has been tolerant with her. Gathing has not been able to do anything with all her injuries. She has not played any basketball since April. \n"Coach has just been real patient with me and knows it takes time to heal," Gathing said. \nBennett is proud of the way Gathing performs each time she takes the floor.\nBennett said Gathing raises everybody else's game, by the way she plays -- yet she does it in a controlled way. Bennett emphasized that Gathing brings incredible energy to the team and that is fundamental to a successful team.\nSimilar to her performance last Friday, Gathing contributed with an excellent defensive effort in the Hoosiers' win over Penn State in the championship game of the Big Ten Tournament last season. Bennett said Gathing can do more of that this year and expects it from such an experienced player.\nHartman echoes the sentiments of her coach.\n"She brings tremendous intensity and gets everybody else fired up," Hartman said. "Last Friday, she stepped up really well. Her experience is a key reason why she's very intense and is able to lead vocally."\nHartman is beginning her fourth year at IU with Gathing.\n"She's like my sister," Hartman said. "We have lived in the dorms together and spent a whole lot of time together. Me and her both have a thing we like to do. We both like to lead the team in cheers. We are both really vocal and like to pick up the team whenever we can."\nIn addition to all her other injuries, Gathing suffered a stress fracture in her left foot during her freshman year. She missed eight non-conference games and started in six as a freshman.\nDespite all her injuries, Gathing said she believes in the old adage time heals all wounds.\n"My inspiration is time," Gathing said. "Eventually, my injuries and everything else will be ok. Also, my teammates have been supportive and have helped me."\nBennett said she just wants Gathing completely healthy and happy at the end of the season. Bennett said she has not coached Gathing when she has been fully healthy at the end of the season.\n"When she's healthy and on her game, she brings us together defensively," Bennett said. "She ties us together. Every team needs a player like that"
(11/08/02 5:20am)
Despite its being an exhibition game, the IU women's basketball team is not underestimating the importance of such a game. The Hoosiers take on Premier Sports in their first of two exhibition games this season at 5 p.m. tonight in Assembly Hall. \nThis is IU's first contest since appearing in the NCAA Tournament last year. They face Premier Sports, a team they defeated in Bloomington last season 89-72. \nCoach Kathi Bennett, who begins her third year at IU, said she is looking to use the game as a learning experience.\n"I hope we will play very hard," Bennett said, who has a 37-25 record at IU. "We need to establish that intensity. That way we can set an intense tone early in the season, and it will benefit us later."\nAn exhibition game does not necessarily mean it is insignificant. IU players are treating it as a regular season contest. \n"When I'm preparing for the game Friday night in the locker room, there's going to be a whole lot of nerves," freshman Kali Kullberg said. "There's going to be more nerves then at any other point in the season. I think I'll be able to put that extra adrenaline to good use, though, by working hard on the court."\nSenior Lisa Eckart will make her IU debut, after sitting out last season after transferring from Evansville. She said she can't wait to hit the hardwood at Assembly Hall.\n"Just playing a game is going to be nice and so different," Eckart said. "Playing against some other competition will be refreshing. I haven't played in a game in so long I'm extremely excited and can't wait to see what it's going to be like when we actually take the floor."\nEckart said she is excited to see all the freshmen and is eager to see what they can do. IU welcomes six new faces to its lineup, including five freshmen. The Hoosiers have four new backcourt players, and they will probably all play Friday. Highlighting the quartet are freshman Cyndi Valentin, a Bloomington native, and junior LeeAnn Stephenson from Texas. \nMeanwhile, senior Kristen Bodine, who missed most of last season after tearing her ACL, will see limited action after spraining her ankle in practice about a week ago. Wednesday, Bodine practiced for the full practice for the first time in a week.\nKullberg described how she could contribute to this team, not only Friday, but in the games to come.\n"I can really bring energy and consistency," Kullberg said. "I can be a leader as a point guard and plan to do so. I also bring strength and a certain mentality to the team. I'm consistent, and I bring defense and an identity to this team. I can help better define this team."\nIU split its pair of exhibition games last year. While they defeated Premier Sports, they lost to the Reebok Lady All-Stars by one point.\nKullberg highlighted the demeanor of this team, even with their inexperience.\n"This team is so hungry," Kullberg said. "Coach always says we are so hungry. We have been practicing for over 20 days. We are real anxious to put on our game uniforms and play a game"
(07/25/02 8:23pm)
IU men's tennis team (2-0) used a team effort to defeat Toledo and Bowling Green last Saturday to win its first two matches of the spring season. The Hoosiers look to use that same formula today as they travel to Louisville to play the Cardinals (2-0) at 3:30 p.m. IU holds an 11-2 all-time mark against Louisville. The Cardinals defeated Illinois State and Northern Iowa last Saturday. \nCoach Ken Hydinger, in his 18th season at IU, knows Louisville will be ready. \n"They are going to be vocally aggressive," Hydinger said. "They are solid from top to bottom. It will be a competitive match from one through six singles and one through three doubles."\nHydinger said IU must counter and be prepared. \n"Being ready is an art form," Hydinger said. "We need to be committed to the process."\nHydinger is committed and stressed teamwork against Louisville. \n"As a team, we need to stay involved," Hydinger said. "We need to control our emotions."\nThe players concur with Hydinger. \n"We have to be supportive of others, control our emotions and stay tough against Louisville," senior Rahman Smiley said. \nThe Hoosiers have three seniors on this year's team, including Smiley. Milan Rakvica and Ari Widlansky are the others. Smiley has an overall singles record of 8-5 this season and a doubles record of 6-1. Rakvica, from the Czech Republic, played at No.1 singles all of last season. He has a singles record of 8-4 and a doubles mark of 6-0 this season. Widlansky, 4-5 in singles and 1-2 in doubles, rounds out the trio and helps teach the younger players.\nThe veteran leadership from this team will be instrumental. \n"The seniors have been big," Hydinger said. "The experienced players show the younger players by example." \nTwo of those younger players recently joined the team. They are Jakub Praibis from the Czech Republic and Juliun Vulliez from France. IU's freshmen total is at 10. \nRakvica believes he leads by example and has confidence in his game. \n"The best part of my game has been my baseline game," Rakvica said. "I like my serve so far this season far, too."\nRakvica sits in eighth place on the Hoosiers' career singles wins list with 81.\nRakvica also plays doubles and junior Zach Held said it's great to play doubles with him.\n"He is one of the best players in the country," Held said. "I know he'll be there for me."\nHeld boasts a 7-6 singles record and an 8-1 doubles record this season. He's prepared for Louisville and self-assured. \n"I have to stay relaxed in order to sustain my confidence," Held said. "I've done everything to prepare myself. No one else is in the kind of shape I'm in."\nOn the injury front, Smiley has had a minor shoulder problem. He injured it in the home opener against Toledo, but says everything is all right. \n"My shoulder is fine," Smiley said. "It wasn't really a big deal to begin with. I will definitely be ready to play Thursday."\nThe players and coaches are focused on winning the doubles point against Louisville. \n"The doubles matches will be key," Smiley said. "If we can steal that point it would help us a lot."\nThe Cardinals are led by juniors Cody Conley and Paulo Carvalho. Conley is from Floyds Knobs, Ind., while Carvalho is from Brazil. The Cardinals' coach is Rex Ecarma.\n"(Louisville) is good at doubles," Rakvica said. "Stealing the doubles point would be big."\nThe Hoosiers have high expectations, but are always looking for a solid start as they eye their road opener. \n"It wouldn't be special to start 3-0," Smiley said. "Every season we expect to start well and to win."\nHydinger agreed. "No way three wins is special," he said. "A lot of stuff happens in a long season"