HAWKS FALL TO COUGARS 80-74 
IN MDJUCO FINAL

                                  By Rick Coffin

In an exciting championship game, the CSM Hawks fell to the Frederick Cougars 80-74.  The lead changed hands several times in the 2nd half before the Cougars finally prevailed.

Frederick jumped to the early lead, as their collapsing zone defense made it difficult for the Hawks to get the ball inside.  Mindy Luckett led the Cougars, scoring 15 of her 21 points in the first half as Frederick led 44-31 at the break.

The Hawks charged back in the 2nd half, scoring the first 10 points.  CSM pulled within a basket, 48-46 with 12:30 left, and finally took the lead 50-49 mid-way through the second half.  Tasha Denny led the charge, scoring 24 points for the game along with a team high 13 rebounds.  Nakia Roper added 13 points and 12 rebounds, before leaving the game late in the 2nd half with a sprained ankle.  Nekm Ifeika added 15 points and Delayne Buckley 11 for the Hawks.

Frederick finally took the lead for good with just over 7:00 left in the game.  The Cougars sank 18 of 22 free throws in the second half to preserve the win.

Natasha Denny (60 points, 18 assists, 10 steals) and Nekm Ifeika (61 points, 36 rebounds, 7 blocked shots) were selected to the All Tournament Team.