Providence, RI ? The University of Hartford women's basketball team posted its first win of the 2007?08 season by way of a 17-point decision over the Providence College Friars on Tuesday evening. The Hawks were led by Danielle Hood who finished with a game-high 27 points. Hartford is now 1-1 overall, while Providence also stands at 1-1.
Hood finished hot from the field with a 10-of-15 effort. Overall, the Hawks shot 54.7 percent (29-of-53) from the field. Two other players posted double digits for Hartford, Diana Delva with 15 and Katie Kelley with 13 points. Delva has scored in double digits in both games so far this season. Delva finished the game shooting 5-of-7, while Kelley was 6-of-7 from the floor.
Hood combined with three other players to lead the Hawks rebounding efforts with five boards. Joining her was Lisa Etienne, Erica Beverly and Kelley. For the game, the Hawks posted a 34-33 advantage on the boards. Providence was led by Shantee Darrian, who finished with 17 points, the only Friar player in double digits.
The Hawks took a 39-31 advantage into the break, led by Jamie McCabe who finished with nine points, all on three pointers. The Hawks finished the first half shooting 57.7 percent on 15-of-26. Delva finished with eight points and Kelley finished with seven, rounding out the Hawks leading scorers. Darrian led the Friars with 13 points. Providence shot 39.3 percent in the first half on 11-of-28 shooting, including 5-of-9 from long range.
The Hawks opened up an early 7-1 lead and extended that to 11-3 before the Friars put up back-to-back baskets to pull within three. Hartford answered right back with five-straight to double up the Friars, 16-8 and extended their lead into double digits for the first time at 27-16 with 7:50 to play before the break.
Providence then pulled the game within four, scoring thee-straight baskets. The Friars then pulled within a basket, 30-28, on a three-pointer and jumper from Darrian, broken up by a Hartford free throw. The Hawks then scored nine of the final 12 points to open up the eight point halftime margin.
Following Emily Cournoyer jumper to open the second half, Hood scored three unanswered baskets to pull Hartford to a 12-point lead with under three minutes played in the second stanza. A five-point run for Hartford again extended its lead to 12, 58-46, with 9:12 to play.
The Hawks extended their advantage to 17 with 4:24 to play on five-straight points, again all from Hood. The biggest lead of the game came with 1:18 to play, a 21-point advantage made possible by a seven point run. Providence would close out the game scoring the final four points to end with a 17-point deficit.
Hartford returns to action on Friday when they host Columbia in the home opener at Chase Arena. The Hawks and lions will tip off at 7:00 p.m. The game will feature a magnet schedule giveaway.
