Special to the Herald
(From the issue of 3/11/04)

The Marymount University women’s basketball team advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 for the fourth year in a row as it defeated Johns Hopkins 73-57 March 6 in a second-round game at the Verizon Sports Arena in Arlington.

Marymount senior Annetta Benjamin drove hard to the basket repeatedly and converted five baskets and 11 free throws to lead all scorers with 21 points. She also had eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. On defense, she held Johns Hopkins’ Trista Snyder scoreless.

The Saints led 33-30 at halftime as the Blue Jays hit 45 percent of their shots. But Marymount stepped up its second-half defense, allowing Johns Hopkins to hit only 28 percent of their shots.

Marymount freshman Nikki Rowland scored 12 points and had five rebounds. Tricia Murphy added 10 points. Adele Magnani helped the Saints to a 47-41 rebounding advantage with eight rebounds and six points.

Johns Hopkins finished its season with a 24-4 record. Marymount moved to 25-4. The Saints will play McDaniel College (25-3) on March 12 at 7 p.m. in Arlington. In an earlier game, Rochester (21-4) will play New York University (23-3). The two winners will play Saturday at 7 p.m. to advance to the national semi-finals next weekend at Virginia Wesleyan College.