By John Painter
(Hamilton, NY- Feb. 9, 2013) American scored the game’s first eight points and never trailed in posting a 69-44 victory over Colgate here Saturday.
The Raiders were led by Josie Stockill’s 10 points, while fellow freshman Randyll Butler added a season-high eight and Lulu Brase scored seven. Butler’s effort included her first made 3-pointer of the season, a bank shot from the left wing late in the first half.
“I’m just happy it went in,” Butler said with a big grin. “I saw Lauryn (Kobiela) driving and I just wanted to spot up on the opposite side. We get some drives and some kickouts – I’m happy it went in.
“Each game I’m getting stronger and stronger. We’re losing some players, so we’ve got to pick it up and I’m just trying to be a spark. I’m just trying to be aggressive and do it for the team. That’s all everyone is trying to do right now.”
The Raiders trailed 38-21 at halftime but then came out with their usual second-period aggression. Colgate’s defense allowed American only two points over the first 7:55 after intermission and pulled within 40-28.
But the Eagles, now 13-9 overall and 6-2 in the Patriot League, regrouped and didn’t allow the Raiders closer than a dozen points the rest of the way.
American placed three players in double-figures, led by Stephanie Anya’s 14. Anya scored 12 of those points in the first half on perfect shooting – 3-of-3 from the field and 6-of-6 from the line. Geleisa George and Arron Zimmerman added 13 apiece for the Eagles.
American claimed a 40-30 edge in rebounding and shot 48.2 percent (27-of-56) from the field. The Eagles were 2-of-11 from 3-point distance and made 13 of their 17 free throws.
Kobiela and Catherine Lewis added six points each for Colgate, which dropped to 6-17 overall and 0-8 in conference play. The Raiders committed 22 turnovers Saturday, the most since they began this current 10-game losing streak with 30 miscues at Charlotte back on Jan. 6.
Colgate shot 31.3 percent (15-of-48) from the floor and made three of their 10 3-point attempts. Colgate was 11-of-18 from the line.
The Raiders are home again Wednesday, hosting Bucknell in a 7 p.m. start.
American 69, Colgate 44
American (13-9, 6-2): Jen Dumiak 7, Geleisa George 13, Arron Zimmerman 13, Alexis Dobbs 8, Stephanie Anya 14, Ti’Asia McGeorge 1, Micaela Sancisi 2, Sarah Kiely 3, Ari Booth 8.Totals: 27-13-69.
Colgate (6-17, 0-8): Lauryn Kobiela 6, Catherine Lewis 6, Lulu Brase 7, Kelly Reid 2, Randyll Butler 8, Mariah Jones 2, Rebekah Ward 1, Josie Stockill 10, Carole Harris 2. Totals: 15-11-44.
3-Point Field Goals: American 2 (Dumiak, Kiela); Colgate 3 (Lewis 2, Butler).
Halftime: American 38-21.