Center Valley, PA (February 15, 2007) – A 15-4 run to close the first half gave Delaware Valley College a six-point halftime lead and the DeSales University women’s basketball team got within two once in the second half but never any closer falling for the fourth time in five games, 76-67, on Thursday night in Freedom Conference action in Billera Hall.

 

        DeSales (16-8, 8-5 Freedom) had control of this game early taking a 26-21 lead on a jumper from sophomore LeighAnn Burke (Philadelphia, PA/Archbishop Ryan) but the Bulldogs managed just one field goal and four points over the last 6:12 of the half as the Aggies (11-12, 7-6 Freedom) caught fire as junior Shannon O’Neill hit back-to-back three-pointers to end the half sending the visitor’s into the locker room with a six-point advantage.

 

        The Bulldogs started the second half with some energy as Burke and senior Kirby Lutz (Easton, PA/Pen Argyl) hit consecutive three-pointers to cut the lead to two points, 40-38, before a 13-4 run put DVC up 11 and sealed DSU’s fate.  DeSales mounted one last rally, pulling within six, 66-60, at the 4:46 mark, but were unable to get any closer the rest of the way.

 

        Lutz was terrific in the loss recording her seventh double-double of the season with 27 points (one shy of her career-high), while grabbing a career-high 17 rebounds.  Burke also reached double digits with 16 points and freshman Kaila Wiand (Royersford, PA/Spring-Ford) came off the bench to score eight points.

 

        Four players reached double digits including O’Neill with a team-high 25 points on 6-of-10 from outside the arc.  Senior Rachel Joyce finished with 15 points, junior Brooke Dittmar tallied 13 points and pulled down nine rebounds and freshman Kim Vennera had 12 points, nine rebounds and five assists in the win.  Junior Moira Donohue also played well totaling nine points, nine rebounds and five assists.