December 1, 2006
Vassar's Defense Shines in 55-38 Win Over Wellesley

HAVERFORD, PA ­ Down by six at the half, fourth-seeded Vassar rallied and outscored fifth-seeded Wellesley 35-12 in the second half en route to a 55-38 victory in operning round action of the 2006 Seven Sisters Women's Basketball Tournament, hosted by Haverford College. Senior center Rachel Cerlen led the Brewers with 16 points and 12 rebounds in the game.

Poor shooting plagued both teams throughout the first half, however, Wellesley was able to hold a 26-20 advantage after the first 20 minutes of action. Vassar's defense shined in the second half, holding Wellesley without a point for the first 12:30 of the half, limiting the Wellesley offense to 1-of-25 shooting from the floor in that span. Beccause of the 18-2 run over the first 12:30 of the second half, Vassar was able to maintain its lead throughout the rest of the game, en route to the 55-38 win. Vassar held Wellesley to 20.9% shooting in the game, and 12.8% in the second half.

Vassar's Emily Haeuser collected ten rebounds, while Ashley Sherman had nine points and six rebounds. The Blue were led by Jessica Duff's team-highs of 12 points and 12 rebounds.

With the win, Vassar improves its overall record to 2-3 and will face top-seeded Mount Holyoke Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Holyoke defeated Bryn Mawr, 49-41, in the opening game of the tournament. Wellesley falls to 0-5 on the season and will face eighth-seeded Bryn Mawr on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

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