PRIDE FALLS IN POET CLASSIC CHAMPIONSHIP 60-49

WHITTIER, Calif.-The Regis College women's basketball team finished as runners-up in the Purple and Gold Poet Classic held at Whittier College Friday night. The Pride fell in the championship game to King's College (Pa.) by the score of 60-49 and move to 5-3 on the season. The victory gives the Monarch's its eighth win of the year.

The first half started with a fast paced Monarch offense that jumped out to a five point lead during the first five minutes of the play. The Pride would cut the lead to one under the keen shooting of sophomore Lauren Kimble (Concord, Calif.) who hit a deep three point shot to bring the score to 11-10. Kimble continued to have success from the floor as she rallied off points in the next two possessions and put the Pride up by two.

Both teams would jockey for the lead in the next three minutes of play, but the Pride was successful at securing a four point cushion when junior Alex Chace (Easton, Mass.) hit a jumper to make the score 21-17 in favor of the Pride.

This lead was short lived as the Monarchs went on a 10-0 run that was sparked by strong foul shooting abilities of Samantha Simcox. The Pride's defense settled down in the final minutes of the first half to hold the Monarchs to 29. Pride sophomore Leah Murphy (Westborough, Mass.) got the final points of the half when she hit a three point shot to make the score 29-26 in favor of the Monarch's before entering halftime.

The Pride opened the second half with a potential game tying three point shot from senior Stefanie Wozmak (Auburn, N.H.).  The shot went off target and allowed the Monarchs to capitalize on the back court and go up by four.  The Monarchs were led by Simcox and Paige Carlin who combined for 29 points on the night.  The Pride got an offensive push from sophomore Claire Ramonas (Portland, Maine.) who went 6 for 8 from the free throw line and ended the game with 12 points.

This performance was not enough as the Monarchs hit high gear in the second half to go up by 10. The Pride continued to pester the Monarch defense in the final five minutes of play, but could not find a solid offensive groove. Freshman Emilee Marro (Bedford, N.H.) chipped in with nine points and a team high of seven rebounds on the game.

The Pride's next matchup is Saturday January, 7^th when the Crimson and Gold hosts NECC opponent Lesley College at 1:00 p.m.