THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 26, 1995 TAG: 9502260177
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ED MILLER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
The Norfolk State Spartanettes reclaimed what they've come to feel is rightfully theirs Saturday night, knocking off Shaw, 84-59, to win the CIAA tournament championship in front of 9,883 at Lawrence Joel Coliseum.
The Spartanettes (25-4) had won three tournament titles in a row before being upset in the semifinals by Hampton last year. Much of their focus this season has been on getting the tournament trophy back.
``I have girls on my team who are seniors, two-year players, who did not have a CIAA tournament ring,'' coach James Sweat said. ``I was concerned because one of the things I do when they come here is guarantee them a ring.''
By beating Shaw, Sweat fulfilled his promise to senior transfer students Rolanda Dent, Kristi Greene and Danielle Hill.
One senior who already had a couple rings is tournament MVP Lisa Rice, who handed out 11 assists Saturday after dishing out 20 in a semifinal victory over Virginia State on Friday.
``This year everybody went out and played hard and played together as a team,'' Rice said. ``I've got to credit my teammates for my success.''
The MVP trophy just as easily could have gone to Greene, who was named CIAA Player of the Year earlier in the week. Greene, a 6-foot senior, scored 28 points Saturday after notching 30 Friday.
Greene got Norfolk State started early, scoring eight of the Spartanettes' first 10 points. Norfolk State peeled off a 10- and then a nine-point run to take a 23-10 lead with 9:22 left.
Sweat wanted a fast pace and figured his team would win if it could get the score into the 80s. Shaw (21-7) had not scored 80 points all season.
``We didn't think they could run with us, with the depth we have,'' Sweat said.
Norfolk State pushed the pace with its pressure defense, forcing 40 turnovers.
The Spartanettes also shut down Shaw star Stephanie Greer, who scored 30 points Friday against Fayetteville State but was held to five Saturday.
Next for the Spartanettes is the South Atlantic Regional, to be held March 10-11 at a site to be announced. Norfolk State advanced to the Division II Elite Eight last season.
``We have the capability of going to the Final Four,'' Rice said. ``If we play together, we have the capability of winning the Final Four.'' ILLUSTRATION: LAWRENCE JACKSON/Staff photos
Felton Fontenette, 3, above, carries one of the gifts his mother,
LaMonica Filer, was given after her Spartanettes won the CIAA
women's championship game. At right, Norfolk State's LaTina Bullock
grabs a loose ball from Shaw's Stephanie Greer.
by CNB