Women's Basketball triumphant over Eastern Connecticut State University

PHOENIX, Ariz. - After falling to Simpson College to open play in the Grand Canyon Classic, the University of Dallas women's basketball team (5-6) responded with a 60-53 consolation game victory over Eastern Connecticut State University (8-3) on Thursday morning.

Four Lady Crusaders contributed in a big way for head coach Jina Johansen, accounting for all but five of the team's points.

Sophomore guard Kylie Yoshimura (Temple City, Cali./Mark Keppel H.S.) posted a game-high 18 points on a perfect 6-for-6 day from the free throw line, and finishing 5-of-9 from the field. Yoshimura was able to drain 2-of-3 three-pointers attempted. 

The player of the game, however, may belong to Cara Sczepanski (Highland Village, Texas/Marcus H.S.), as the senior forward recorded a double-double for the Lady Crusaders. Sczepanski had 14 points on 6-of-15 shooting from the field, and sank 2-of-5 attempts from the charity stripe. On the glass, she hauled in 10 rebounds -- two offensive, eight defensive. 

Also starting and in double digits points-wise for Dallas were senior forward/center Joirdan Cole (Plano, Texas/Bishop Lynch H.S.) and junior guard Kelly Regan (Plano, Texas/John Paul II H.S.). Cole amassed 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting from the field, to go with a 2-for-4 game from the free throw line. Regan's stat line includes 13 points on 3-of-11 shooting from the field and knocking down 6-of-10 free throws. She went 1-of-2 from beyond the arc. 

A back and forth first half saw seven lead changes, and both teams fielding a shooting percentage in the low thirties, before ending in a 27-27 tie. Though Dallas was out-rebounded 27-18 in the opening period, they held the advantage at the free throw line, where they converted 6-of-9 attempts as opposed to the Warriors who made 3-of-3. 

When play resumed, Cole displayed veteran leadership in the paint for Dallas, putting away two of the Lady Crusaders' first three baskets of the half, in addition to coming up with a key block in the initial minutes. 

In a tightly contested final period, Dallas' biggest lead of seven points occurred three times in a span of just over 14 minutes. With 3:42 remaining in the game, Eastern Connecticut drew to within two points of leveling the score when Jessica Moriarty hit a three-pointer. 

A determined Dallas squad quickly responded, however, as a Yoshimura layup 12 seconds later put the Lady Crusaders up four points. 

Dallas put the game on ice when Yoshimura and Cole put home 3-of-4 free throw attempts in the final 30 seconds, propelling the Lady Crusaders to a seven point win. 

Sitting at the cusp of a .500 record, the Lady Crusaders will battle Hendrix College on Sunday, Jan. 2. Tip off is slated for 1:00 p.m. at the Maher Athletic Center.