Flushing, N.Y. - The Dowling College women's basketball team defeated the St. Thomas Aquinas Lady Spartans, 59-54, to capture their first ECC title since 2003.
Julia Koppl led the Golden Lions with 17 points, 4-9 from beyond
the arc with 4 blocks on the defensive end. Sarah Schicher
added 13 points and Seja Gamble hit double figures with 10
points.
For the Spartans, Ashley Motrechuk had a game high 18 points with
six boards. Briana Sloper notched 12 points and Shpresa
Liharevic posted a double double with 11 points and 11
rebounds.
After three lead changes through the first six minutes of the game
Gamble knocked down a jumper to give the Golden Lions a 10-9
edge. Dowling streched the lead to 10 with 7:00 minutes
remaining in half. The Spartans crept back in the game, 29-23, at
the half after finishing on an 7-5 run over the last 7 minutes. The
Golden Lions were led in first half by Julia Koppl eight points
going 2-6 from beyond the three point line.
The second half was back and forth Dowling extending their lead to
eight at throughout the half. The Spartans were able to keep
thegame close and draw the score to 53-51 with 26 seconds
remaining. The Golden Lions managed to hold of the visiting
team to earn the 59-54 win. Dowling finished the game by making 9
of 12 free throws in the last 1:30 of the game.
2012 ECC
Women's Basketball Championship All-Tournament Team
Felicia Joyner - C.W. Post
Stacey Griffith - University of the District of Columbia
Briana Sloper - St. Thomas Aquinas
Bianca Kowgios - St. Thomas Aquinas
Julia Koppl - Dowling
Co-Most Outstanding Players: Sarah Schicher and Kelly Puwalski - Dowling
Contributions made by the Dowling Sports Information Department.
