The Chanticleer

Issue date: 1/26/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Tim Holbrook, Morehead State University Rebecca Haynes contests a shot in the victory against Morehead State.

Two weeks ago, a frustrated JSU coach Dave Dagostino paced between the reporters in his office after a loss to Tennessee Tech January 12, voicing his displeasure with the lack of production from his seniors. The tone in his voice was one of urgency and disappointment.

What a difference two weeks make.

After splitting the weekend series with Eastern Kentucky and Morehead State, the tone of Dagostino's voice was one of determination and hope.

"It's night and day," Dagostino said. "That evening we spent in there to this afternoon that we're talking right now. There's no one clear reason why. It's a lot of things together. Some of it is re-doing the foundation. The teaching portions are in place and the young kids are able to apply them and lead within them. The other part is the seniors have answered the bell and are stepping up and being vocal leaders. That's a huge part of it. With those two things working together, there's not much that can stop this group."

Four Gamecocks scored double digits, but that wasn't enough as Eastern Kentucky defeated JSU 87-77 on January 19.

Jacksonville State was led by freshman LaTonya McKinney's 18 points while Ann-Marie Healy dropped 17.

The Gamecocks shot poorly from the floor in the first half, going 11-for-29, but managed to keep the game relatively close, only trailing by 12 at the half, 41-29.

The Gamecocks fired back and trimmed the lead to six with just under 14 minutes to play with a bucket by Kat Fuess, making it 50-44.

However, the lack of rebounding eventually killed Jacksonville State. The Lady Colonels out rebounded Jacksonville State 47-33 during the game.

EKU's Laura Shelton led all players with 19 points, including three consecutive 3-pointers to give EKU a 61-48 lead.

The ladies from Jacksonville State made one last run, cutting the lead to 74-68 with 3:06 left on the heels of a 15-4 run, but the Lady Colonels outscored JSU 13-9 down the stretch to put the game away.

Saturday saw the intensity level of the Gamecocks shoot through the roof. Rebecca Haynes came off the bench for 20 points to lead all scorers as JSU defeated Morehead State 71-62 to earn their second OVC win of the year.

Continued...

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