Special to the Herald
(From the issue of 3/4/04)

The Marymount University women’s team, coached by Bill Finney, won its second straight Capital Athletic Conference title Feb. 28 by defeating York College 76-53 at the Verizon Sports Arena in Arlington. With the victory, the Saints clinched an automatic bid to the NCAA post-season tournament.

Marymount built a 10-point first-half lead against York, only to see it dwindle to three points at the half. The Spartans scored the first basket of the second half to cut Marymount’s lead to one point. After trading baskets, the Saints went on an 18-5 run to open a 16-point lead.

It was defense and rebounding that won the championship for the Saints. They held the Spartans’ leading scorer, Heather Kessler to zero points. She came into the game averaging nearly 19 points per game. Their second leading scorer, Mandy Crabbs, had only 8 points, well below her season average. Marymount held a commanding 53-39 margin in rebounding and held the Spartans to just 20 percent shooting in the second half.

Marymount’s Annetta Benjamin, who played most of the defense against Kessler, also excelled at the offensive end. She finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists and four steals. Katie Jarvis led all scorers with 16 points, while Randi Jones added 13 points, five rebounds and three assists. The Spartans were led by Heidi Miller with 12 points, while Ashley Robertson tallied 11.

York ends its season with a 16-11 record. Marymount moves to 24-4.