The Eagles Online -- Ashland University Athletics

Buurma’s Three Ends Eagles’ Losing Streak
January 16, 2003

By Joe Monaco, AU Sports Information

First times are the always the most memorable.

The first time that you saw the ocean on a family vacation.

The first time that you kissed a person or the first time your heart was broken.

The first time that your parents allowed you to take the car by yourself.

For junior Alanna Buurma, the first time that she hit a three-point shot in a college game turned out to be the most memorable shot of the season for the Eagles as they snapped its six-game losing streak with a 64-61 victory over Findlay on Thursday (Jan. 16, 2003) at Kates Gymnasium.

With the score tied at 61-61, Buurma took a pass from Beth Everman and drained a wide-open three-pointer from the top of the key with 2.8 seconds remaining in the game. Buurma finished the game with 11 points and three rebounds.

In a game that saw 11 ties and six lead changes, Ashland was able to pull away with the victory and improve its record to 8-9, 3-5 in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference action while Findlay dropped to 5-14, 2-5 in conference play.

In the first half, AU jumped out to a quick 13-2 lead, but the Oilers responded with an 11-0 run fueled by Clarissa Gross who notched six of her nine points during the stretch.

Everman continued to be a dangerous scoring threat for the Eagles as she scored 10 points in the first frame en route to a game-high 23 points. She added four rebounds.

At the half, AU led 31-24 and it was only the Eagles’ second halftime lead in the past nine games. In a season that has seen AU squander big leads, the Eagles were able to capitalize on clutch shooting in the second half to hold on to the game.

Isolina Brescia put together another solid game as she scored 13 points and barely missed her first career double-double with nine rebounds.

The Oilers were led by center Lydia Carpenter, who scored 14 points followed by Gross who finished with nine.

AU will be back in action on Thursday, January 23, 2003, on the road against Wayne State followed by another conference game on Saturday versus Hillsdale. Thursday’s game time is set for 5:30 p.m. while Saturday’s game will tip off at 1 p.m.