DeLand, Fla. - The Hatters had their best defensive effort of the season in a 58-52 loss to Southeastern Louisiana University, this afternoon at the University Center in Hammond, Louisiana.
'I am very proud of the way our girls played today,' said Head Coach Dee Romine.
The Lions went on a 14-0 run to take a short lead from the Hatters in the first five minutes of the game, making the score 17-4 with 15 minutes left. A three pointer by Sharnesha Smith and Kellie Olson, as well as, 5-5 shooting from sophomore Ayesha Barkley, brought the Hatters back to within one, 25-24 with five minutes left in the first half. The Lions pulled away to a four point lead with just 35 seconds in the half, and from there would take the lead into halftime, 37-34.
Stetson came out strong in the second half, taking over the lead on a good jumper and free throw by senior Janene Maclin, to make the score 45-47. The Hatters were able to build the lead to as much as four points after a steal and lay-up by junior Jamie Nesbit. Unfortunately the Hatters were once again plagued by turnovers and lost the lead with only a little over three minutes left in the game.
'The difference in the game really came down to two missed block outs, they got two offensive rebounds, we missed a couple of free throws and easy put backs in the last four minutes, said coach Romine. 'At that point we had the lead, and we could have really put some pressure on Southeastern if we would have converted some of those opportunities.'
The Hatters were led by senior Janene Maclin with 12 points and sophomore Ayesha Barkley with 11 points and eight rebounds.
'I really like our effort,' said Romine. 'We just have to be able to convert down the stretch and make plays when it counts.'
The Hatters led the Lions in both field goal percentage, with 42.3% and three point field goal percentages with 36.4% but with turnovers and fouls at the end of the game, the Lions were to finish with an impressive 10-11 in free throws versus the Hatters 4-11.
The Lions were led by Brenita Williams with the nights only double-double, 17 points and 11 rebounds.
The Hatters are in action again on Thursday November 30 for their first home game of the season as well as the first conference game, taking on Kennesaw State at 6:00 pm in the Edmunds Center.
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