Defensive breakdown leads to defeat in home opener
By Carly Thomas
Issue date: 11/20/09 Section: Sports
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The Rock took an early 10-point lead, but couldn't hold on in its 74-59 loss to Seton Hill University.
Head coach Laurel Heilman said the Rock's goal is to have less than 16 turnovers per game.
"We had 23 tonight and 28 in the game with Saint Francis," Heilman said. "They had 31 points off of turnovers compared to our nine."
SRU started the game with 3-pointers by senior guards Julie Malloy and Nikki Presto. Fifteen of Malloy's 18 points came from behind the arc. Heilman said shooting threes is good when there are people to rebound missed shots.
"Living by threes is not my philosophy," she said.
SRU has six returning players along with nine freshmen. Heilman said she hopes that each player reaches their full potential this season.
"We have six returners with these freshmen thrown in there," Heilman said. "Until the younger players develop, the pressure is going to be on the returners."
Presto said she enjoys being looked at as a leader even though it can be a challenge.
"I had good seniors my first two years," Presto said. "Being a point guard, you need to be a leader."
The Rock defense started the game tough, but allowed four Griffins to score double-digit points. SHU put up 36 points in the first half, 17 of which were a result of turnovers. SRU gave up 10 points in the last 2:04 in the first half. Heilman said that until the offense catches up, there will be emphasis on the defense.
"We had defensive breakdowns," Heilman said. "Our defense needs to keep us in the game."
The Rock came out in the second half with a Malloy 3-pointer and two Presto field goals, but it wasn't enough. Seton Hill continued its hot shooting, and led by at least 11 the rest of the game. SRU went on a 7-0 run to finalize the score at 74-59. Heilman said there were spurts of where the Rock was working together and doing good things.
"I'm trying to get them on the same page," Heilman said. "We have to find a balance with our inside-outside game."
SRU looks to improve its record this weekend at the University of Pittsburgh- Johnstown tournament.
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