DATE: Tuesday, February 25, 1997            TAG: 9702250313

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C5   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY JAY LIDINGTON, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   42 lines

KEMPSVILLE GETS DEFENSIVE, BLOWS OUT GLOUCESTER

The Kempsville Chiefs rode solid defense to a 47-26 girls basketball victory over Gloucester in the Eastern Region quarterfinals Monday night at Kempsville.

The Chiefs reeled off 14 straight points to start the game and held the Dukes scoreless for the first quarter and the early stages of the second.

For Kempsville Coach Greg Dunn, seeing his Chiefs come out playing hard was a relief after watching them lose to Salem in the Beach District Championship game Friday night. That loss was only their second this season.

``I felt our defensive pressure was tough throughout the game,'' he said. ``That's what kept us in it and kept the lead comfortable.''

In the second half, Gloucester couldn't get closer than 10 points. Guard Kristin Parker hit two consecutive 3-pointers from the top of the key to close the gap to 23-13 mid-way through the third quarter.

But Kempsville responded with sophomore center Suzanne Elliot and senior guard Erin Duckett hitting key field goals to start the fourth quarter.

``Suzanne Elliot had an outstanding game,'' Gregory said. ``She hit the backbreakers.''

Duckett, playing with a a sore shin, led the Chiefs with 13 points, including two 3-pointers. Elliot added 11 and senior Toni Patillo had 12 points.

``We needed this one,'' Patillo said after the game, her neck bearing a set of bright red scratches from the physical play inside. ``I really don't want to talk about Friday night. Nobody wanted this season to end.''

Kempsville's full-court press also took its toll on Gloucester. The Dukes committed three turnovers during the Chiefs' tempo-setting run to start the game.

``It was a very physical game, more than what we're used to,'' Gregory said.

Parker lead the Dukes with 9 points, including two 3-pointers.

``It wasn't as tight as we thought it would be,'' Patillo said. ``But it's not going to be easy from here on out.''

Kempsville plays Booker T. Washington Wednesday in the regional semifinals at Churchland.

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