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No. 9 Women\'s Squash Wins Kurtz Cup • Bowdoin Dethrones Women's Basketball in Instant Classic • Curll Sets School Record; Swimming 11th at Nescac's • Did You Know? a Lesson in Lewiston Sports History • Godsey Sets Ecac Mark in Weight Throw; Women's Track 6th • Johnson and Hubbard Qualify for Ncaa's • Mckenna Qualifies for Alpine Ncaa's • Men's Basketball Succumbs to Amherst in Finals • Men's Track Third at Div. III's; Anderson Tops N. England in 5000m • Senior Spotlight - Rob Weller • Weisskopf Named All-american; Men's Squash Finishes Ranked 13th |
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Bowdoin had won the previous four NESCAC championships and on Sunday they looked to make it five. The Bobcats advanced to the championship game by defeating Tufts in the quarterfinals 61-37, then defeating Williams 62-59. In the Williams game, Bates had to overcome a ten point halftime deficit.
On Sunday, playing in front of a solid contingent of Bates fans, the Bobcats opened the game with an 8-2 lead as their stifling defense forced Bowdoin to commit two early shot clock violations. Bowdoin missed their first 10 three-pointers as Bates was able to extend their lead to 13, 21-8. However, Bowdoin made a run late in the half, out scoring the Bobcats 12-5 as they went into the half down by 6, 26-20.
In the second half, both teams came out firing, going back and forth trading buckets. For each Bowdoin run, Bates would answer with a run of their own. The Polar Bears were able to bring the Bates lead to one a few times in the opening minutes of the half and were able to tie the game for the first time with 13:55 left in the game. The Bobcats answered right back as Olivia Zurek was able to convert on a three point play to give Bates a 41-38 lead. Bowdoin answered right back with a three of their own to once again tie the game.
Bowdoin was able to continue to tie the game but they were unable to take their first lead until the Marisa Berne hit a go a head three to put the Polar Bears up one, 49-48, with 6:45 left in the game. Zurek however would not let Bowdoin have the lead for long as she converted on another three point play to give Bates a 51-49 lead. On Bowdoin's next offensive possession Julie Loonin hit a three pointer to regain a one-point lead. After a Meg Coffin miss on Bates next possession, Bowdoin was able to convert a lay-up to go up by three.
Sarah Barton responded with a shot of her own to bring the lead back to one, but Bowdoin responded with another lay-up to extend the lead back to three. Leah Schouten answered right back making a three to once again tie the game. However this did not last long as Berne hit her 5th three in the game to regain a three point lead. On the next Bates offensive possession, Betsy Hochadel hit a three from the corner to tie the game at 59 for the final time, with 1:30 to go.
On the next Bowdoin possession, Bates forced a tie-up gaining possession of the ball and an opportunity to take the lead, however Zurek's pass was intercepted leading to a Bowdoin lay-up at the other end to go up 61-59. On the next Bates possession, a lay-up from Coffin rimmed out and the Polar Bears gained control of the rebound forcing Bates to foul. Eileen Flaherty iced the game with a pair of free throws with 13 seconds left.
Bowdoin won the game 65-59. The Bobcats were led by Zurek who had 18 points and 8 rebounds. Barton added 16 points, while Coffin had 10 points and 12 boards.
This game marked the third time in as many years that Bates has lost to Bowdoin in the NESCAC finals game. The only losses for Bates this season has come at the hands of the Polar Bears.
"Obviously it was a disappointment. It feels like the same thing every year. We always get so close then fall short. Bowdoin always plays us well and has their best games against us. But this year it was different because we know it is not the end, because we knew we were getting a bid," said Hochadel.
The Bobcats will hope to avenge this loss to Bowdoin in the NCAA tournament. The only time Bates can face Bowdoin in the tournament is in the championship game where the national champion will be decided.