3-11-2007

 

For Release: IMMEDIATELY

  

GALLATIN – The Lady Senators of Walters State Community College defeated the Lady Tigers of Chattanooga State Community College, 67-59, in the TJCCAA/NJCAA Region VII tournament and qualify for the NJCAA national tournament to be held in Salina, Kan.   Dana Garrett was named tournament MVP.

Youth and nerves led to a slow start for the Lady Senators in the first seven minutes of the ball game.  Head coach Dave Kragel called for a quick timeout to settle his team and by the 13 minute mark, the WSCC squad settled into their game, and led at the half 36-24.

The momentum shifted in the second half as the Lady Tigers applied full court pressure.  The Lady Senators, who led by 12 points, found their lead cut to four near the 10 minute mark. 

“When you have a lead like we had at the half,” said Kragel, “you have to be prepared to with stand pressure.  We called for a time out and talked about what we needed to do.” 

The Lady Senators began setting screens and attacking down the floor with the ball.  They “sealed the deal” from the foul line going 10-14 in the final two minutes of the ballgame.

“This group has really come together throughout the year,” said Kragel.  “In this tournament they really started playing better.  This really feels good.”

This will be the Lady Senators second trip the nationals in three years.  They finished eighth in the 2005 tournament.

Kara Harris led all scorers with 17.  She was 5-10 from the floor, with four 3-pointers.  She was also 3-4 form the charity stripe.   Garrett added 13 and hauled down 12 rebounds. 

Sophomores Harris and Danique Jones named to the All-Tournament Team.

For Chattanooga State, Patrice Wade had 14 points.  Cheron Jenkins added 13 points and Shanice Singleton chipped in 12. 

The Lady Senators will take a 23-10 record to the national tournament March 20-24, 2007.