By: Vinnie Birk - Blackburn College Sports Information
The Blackburn College Women's Basketball team defeated Augustana College 68-67 on Friday night in Carlinville. Although it was a Friday night, Dawes Gymnasium was packed for the home opener. They didn't go home disappointed.
With about 225 people jammed into the gym, they witnessed Blackburn Women's Basketball defeat a team from the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin(CCIW) for the first time since Janruary 26, 1999.
A gritty back-and-forth game had the Beavers only up by three at halftime, 40-37. Both teams battled all game long and it went all the way down to the wire. Blackburn had a four point lead with only a little time remaining. Augustana bounced back and knotted the game at 67. A Blackburn turnover gave Augustana the ball with under 10 seconds to go. Blackburn senior Shelby Smith(Jerseyville, Ill.) rejected a shot and the defensive rebound drew a foul which sent the Beavers' Ciara Morgan(Springfield, Ill.) to the free throw line. She knocked down the first and missed the second to put Blackburn up 68-67. Morgan then secured a win for her team when she stole the ball with three seconds left.
When asked about what she said to inspire her team in the remaining seconds, Blackburn's second year head coach Jen Windmiller said "After Ciara made that first free throw, I told them 'All we have to do is play defense for five seconds. Five more seconds.'"
Ciara Morgan led all scorers with 25. She shot 10 of 19 from the field and also snagged 9 rebounds. Her eight steals were also a game high and she also recorded four assists. Briana Rae(Staunton, Ill.) had her first double-double of the year. She posted 17 points and 11 boards. Shelby Smith almost collected a double-double herself, but her 8 rebounds were just two short. Smith also knocked down 12 points, blocked 3 shots, and led the team in assists with 5.
When Coach Windmiller was asked about having three players in double digits, she said "It makes us more of a threat in conference. We have three scorers, which is nice. You can't just take on away and be comfortable."
All nine players played a role in the victory for the Beavers. Erin Bell(Edwardsville, Ill.) added 6 points, Charitie Goodman(Pittsburg, Mo.) had 4 assists, and Danique Smith(Decatur, Ill.) had four points.
Augustana also had three players who put up double-digit scoring numbers. Marissa Pezzopane and Jessica Baids each had 16 while Amy Hicks had 15.
Blackburn improves to 1-3 on the young season and will play again at home on Tuesday against the University of Dubuque. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM.