CSM CLIPS CARDINALS 
IN MDJUCO SEMI-FINALS

                                   By Rick Coffin

 The Hawks won a hard fought game against Catonsville 72-60, to advance to the finals of the MDJUCO Women’s Basketball Tournament.

Catonsville jumped on top and held the lead for much of the first half.  LaTanya Eldridge, who scored 14 of her 23 points in the first half, led the Cardinals.

Catonsville led 25-20, when the Hawks went on a 15-4 run to end the half for a 35-29 halftime lead.  CSM’s trapping defense caused numerous turnovers.  Natasha Denny hit 5 free throws during the run, and Delayne Buckley and Nekm Ifeika each added 4 points.

In the 2nd half the Hawks slowly extended the lead, led by the strong inside play of Nakia Roper (18 points, 11 rebounds), Delayne Buckley (10 points, 9 rebounds) and Natasha Denny (19 points, 6 assists).  Nekm Ifeika dominated the boards, grabbing a game high 19 rebounds.  

The Hawks will face Frederick in the Championship Game.