Riverdale, NY (February 27, 2004) - Two free throws by Donnette Reed with under 26 seconds left propelled the Lady Jaspers to a 52-49 victory over Iona on senior day. Seniors Rosalee Mason and Nikoletta Deutsch were honored prior to the game, as they played their last game at Draddy Gymnasium. Mason shined on Senior Day, posting a game high 21 points and 15 rebounds. Deutsch tallied three points in 17 minutes of action. The Lady Jaspers improve to 10-16 overall, and 6-11 in the conference.
The game started off slow as both teams scored five points combined in the first five minutes of action. With a Michelle Fahy jumper at the 9:53 mark, the Gaels went on a 14-5 run, giving Iona a 24-13 lead. The Lady Jaspers tallied a run of their own, as Deutsch knocked down a three pointer at the 4:17 mark to start a 12-5 run, which closed the lead to just four at the end of the half, 29-25.
Manhattan tallied two quick layups at the beginning of the second half to even the score at 29. The second half was a see-saw affair--from 16:07 to 12:36 there were four lead changes. With a Trinnette Gooding layup and two free throws by Meg Abele, the Gaels took a four point lead at the 8:12 mark. The Lady Jaspers fought back, tying the score at 46 with a Danielle Cooper layup at the 4:18 mark. 57 seconds later, Michelle Bernal-Silva scored to give Manhattan the 48-46 lead. The see-saw affair continued, as the Gaels tied the game at the 1:25 mark, with a Regan Pettijohn layup. Manhattan again grabbed the lead when Jamie Donnelly fouled Donnette Reed with 26 seconds left and Reed knocked down both free throws to give the Lady Jaspers the edge at 50-48. After a Kendra Kirby free throw, Reed was sent to the line again and knocked down two more to seal the 52-49 victory.
Reed joined Mason in double figures with 14 points, adding four rebounds and three assists. Michelle Bernal-Silva tallied eight rebounds, and four points in the victory.
For the Iona Gaels (6-11, 7-19), Michelle Fahy tallied a team-high 12 points and six rebounds.
The Lady Jaspers will be back in action for their last regular season game on Sunday, February 29 against Rider in Lawrenceville, NJ at 2 pm.