CHARLESTON, SC- The Lady Buccaneers of CSU ran away with a big win over the Coker College Cobras of the Conference Carolinas by a final score of 93-54. Five Lady Bucs scored in double digits and freshman Ali Schwagmeyer pulled out her second double-double of the season.
Both teams came out strong wanting to re-ignite a rivalry that has taken a 14 season break. The Cobra's Jessica Hayes was quick to show the Lady Buccaneers that they were there to battle scoring the first basket of the game, a three point shot in the 19th minute of play. The three point lead would be the Cobras biggest advatage of the match. Junior forward Tina DeCarvalho answered with a quick layup to bring the Bucs with in one, her first of 5 field goals from inside the arc, along with two baskets from outside the arc. Sophomore Kelsey Wasmer would answer a Cobra layup with one of her own in the 17 minute to give the Bucs their first lead of the game. The Cobras would tie the game at 6 on a free throw shot from Henna Koponen.
From there, the Lady Buccaneers would pull ahead and never look back. The tie broke off a three point shot from DeCarvalho which started the upward climb of the Lady Bucs. DeCarvalho would put up 10 points to lead the Lady Bucs in scoring for the first half. Sophomores Kelsey Wasmer and Crystal Robinson were close behind with 9 points each in the first half with Wasmer leading the team in three-point shots made with 2 in the first twenty minutes. Ali Schwagmeyer, DeCarvalho and Sophonore Lydia Johnson all pulled down 5 rebounds each to account for almost 50 percent of the rebounds in the first half. The Lady Buccaneers would enter half-time with their biggest first-half lead of 29 points on a score of 47-18.
The Cobras would once again come out ready to fight and score the first goal of the second half. Ali Schwagmeyer would answer with a three point shot to give the Lady Buccaneers their largest lead of the game to that point at 30. Kiki Rutledge would add another 2 points to the lead from the line. The Lady Buccaneers would gain their largest lead of the game in the 13th minute off DeCarvalho's second three-pointer to give the Bucs a 40 point advantage.
The Lady Buccaneers would end the game with the most points they have scored since racking in 107 points in their first game of the 2007-08 season. Freshman Ali Schwagmeyer pulled down her second double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds to lead the team in both categories, as well as sinking all four free attempts. Tina DeCarvalho wouldbe close behind with 15 points and 8 rebounds to put in her in second on the team in each. Sophomores Katie Tull a nd Kelsey Wasmer would add 13 and 12 points, respectivley with Tull hitting each of her two attempts from the line. Senior Pam Tolbert would bring in 10 points for the Lady Bucs, pull down three rebounds, and grab a game leading 4 steals. Sophomore Lydia Johnson would play only 9 minutes but made a huge imact with 5 points, 6 rebounds and blocked a Megan Johnson shot that would send the stands into a uproar.
The Cobras would have two players bring in double digits in scoring for them with guard Jessica Hayes brining in 15 and Keisha Beavers adding another 12. Rebouding was lead by Henna Koponen and Keisha Beavers who each grabbed five, followed by Jessica Hayes with 4. The Lady Bucs held the advatage in scoring shooting 47.9 percent from the floor to the Cobra's 33.9, but the Cobras were able to edge the Bucs in 3-point percentage with 31.6 and 28.1, respectivley.
The Lady Cobras will be back in action on Monday against Limestone College. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 p.m.