Riverdale, N.Y. (February 25, 2007)?With a chance to secure a bye in the MAAC Tournament, the Lady Jaspers fell short against Siena on Sunday afternoon, as the Saints shot 65.1 percent from the field. Laura Menty led all Siena scorers with 17 points, while Caitlin Flood was the game's high scorer with 19 points. The win improves Siena's record to 9-19 overall and 8-10 in the MAAC, while Manhattan finishes up the regular season at 10-19 overall and 7-11 in MAAC play.
The Saints shot 70.0 percent in the first half as they rode their hot shooting throughout the game for a wire-to-wire victory. Katelyn Dooley knocked down a three-pointer on Siena's first possession as the Saints jumped out to a 10-2 lead, but Manhattan answered back with a 13-6 run that got them to within 16-15 with 9:47 in the first half. The Lady Jaspers would keep the game close over the game's next six minutes, trailing just 26-22 with 3:20 remaining, but Siena would close out the half with an 11-2 run to lead to 37-24 at halftime.
The teams traded baskets in the second half's opening minutes as Manhattan was unable to cut into Siena's lead, trailing 49-35 after a Caitlin Flood foul shot. After that however, Siena would break the game open with a 9-2 run that would give the Saints a 58-37 lead. Despite Manhattan's 51.9 shooting percentage in the second half, Siena's continued hot shooting would prevent the Lady Jaspers from getting back into the game.
With the regular season in the books, the Lady Jaspers now turn their attention to the MAAC Tournament in Bridgeport, Conn. As the #8 seed, Manhattan will take on #9 Niagara at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday in the second game of the tournament. The two teams spilt during the regular season with each team winning on the other's home floor.
