LADY HAWKS GIVE #15 DUNDALK BATTLE BEFORE FALLING 78-61

January 25, 2005 - The CSM women's basketball team faced the #15 ranked team in the country, and played even with them for 3/4 of the game, before falling to Dundalk 78-61.

    Dundalk (14-1, 5-1) boasted leaders in several offensive categories, including two of the top rebounders in the conference, but the Hawks held their own on the boards, limiting Dundalk to one shot on offense in a tightly played first half.  There were several lead changes, and neither team was able to take more then a four point lead, until the Lady Lions surged ahead 28-23 with 3:22 left.  However a Kaleigh Gray 3-pointer and Dana Ashton's basket inside, sandwiched around a Dundalk basket cut the Lions lead to 30-28 with 49 seconds left in the half.  However a 6-0 run to end the half gave the Lions a 36-28 lead, with Melinda Bellamy scoring two of those baskets. 

    CSM (5-10, 1-6) played even with in every category, with turn-overs the only fly in the ointment for Hawks, with 10 in the first half.

    The Hawks continued their strong play in the second half, as Dundalk was unable to pull away.  After a 6-0 run put the Lions in front 44-37 with just under 15 minutes left.  CSM called time-out, then fed Sherrise Russell inside on a set play to cut the margin to 44-39.

    Dundalk tried to pull away once again, and climbed in front 66-50 with just 5:00 left in the game.  Once again the Hawks battled back, and Dana Ashton's jumper cut the lead to 69-57 with 3:20 left.  However that was as close as the Hawks could get over the final minutes, as the Lions finally stretched the led to the final margin of 78-61.

    Melinda Bellamy led a balanced Dundalk attack with 19 points.  Kendra Baldwin had 15 points, and Nichelle Dixon and Gloria Broady both added 11 points.

    For the Hawks, Sherrese Russell had 16 points, Dana Ashton 13 pts., and Kaleigh Gray added 11.

    The Hawks next game will be Saturday night, January 29, in the Hawks Nest, when they will face Takoma Park at 6:00 PM in the first game of a doubleheader.  The CSM men will face Essex at 8:00 PM.