Raiders Sweep Green River
February 17, 2005 @ 3:31 pm
The Raider Women and Men traveled to Auburn last night, and for the fourth consecutive time, pulled off the doubleheader sweep; this time against host Green River Community College.
The Women continued their late season surge for a potential spot in the playoffs, with a 69-57 victory over the Gators. The Raiders, behind the season high 22 points of sophomore guard Vanessa Caskey, used pressure defense to get the Gators down early. Caskey also dished off 5 assists and picked up 5 steals. Freshman post Tia Nofoa chipped in 14 points and collected 7 rebounds. Shayla Reynolds, nursing a sore lower back added 11 points for the Raiders. Pierce shot an amazing 14-15 from the free throw line for the game.
The Raider Women improved their league record to 6-8 (6-18 overall), and are in a 3-way dog fight with South Puget Sound and Clark for fourth place in the Western Division, and a berth to the NWAACC Conference Championship Tournament. The Raiders must take care of business in their final two games, and hope that the Clippers and Penguins lose at least 2 of their final 3 games. If the magic continues, the Raiders, under first year Head Coach Ann Bowen, would qualify for their first tournament appearance since the 1992-93 season, when they placed 4th (the highest finish ever by a Pierce Basketball team — women or men).
The Raider Men took care of business in the second game, handing the Gators a resounding 80-64 defeat, and securing a trip to the NWAACC Tournament. The tournament appearance will be the first by a Pierce Men's team, since the 1990-91 campaign. Pierce had another balanced team effort as they extended their current winning streak to 4 games, and improved their league record to 10-4 (19-7 overall). Sophomore guard Trivone Curry led the way for the Raiders with a career high 23 points, followed by David Howard with 12 points, and Adam Lewis and Jacob Mitchell, each with 10 points. Devon Connor-Green had another solid contest, with a game high 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.
The win guarantees Pierce one of the top four spots in the Western Division, and gives Head Coach Bill Mendelson his 8th trip to post season play in his past 10 years as a NWAACC coach. With one victory in their final two games, the Men could achieve the second 20 win season since the program began in 1968.
The Raiders close out their home schedule this Saturday, February 19, when they host Lower Columbia CC. The Red Devil Women are tied for 1st place in the West, and beat the Raiders earlier this season, 66-52. The LCC Men are in sole possession of first place, and hope to avenge their loss to the Raiders back in January. A win by the Raider Men on Saturday would give them a shot at a potential division title. Game times on Saturday are at 5:00 p.m. for the Women, and 7:00 p.m. for the Men.
Saturday is Sophomore Recognition Night for the Pierce Basketball teams. Pre-game festivities will feature "thank you's" to departing sophomores; Clem Benton, Vanessa Caskey, Devon Connor-Green, Trivone Curry, Christina Haywood, Adam Lewis, Jacob Mitchell, and Shayla Reynolds.
Next Wednesday marks the end of Pierce's regular season as they travel across town to take on the Titans of Tacoma Community College. Game times are at 6:00 p.m., for the Women, and 8:00 p.m., for the Men. Both games will be broadcast live on KLAY 1180 AM, the home of Pierce College Basketball.
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