Girls basketball: Tampa Catholic avenges loss to AHN

By KEITH NIEBUHR, Times Staff Writer
Published January 10, 2008

TAMPA - Despite the fact Tampa Catholic had a big game the next day against archrival Academy of the Holy Names, Crusaders coach Nancy Kroll slept well Tuesday night.

That's because she was confident.

"My team," the coach said, "had really been playing together."

It did again Wednesday night.

Locked in a back-and-forth battle for three and a half quarters, the Crusaders outscored AHN 14-5 in the final 3:59 to earn a 74-63 win at home. By doing so, they avenged a one-point loss to the Jaguars that took place in November.

"I'm very proud of the girls," Kroll said.

Down the stretch, TC (17-4) was equally tough on both ends. Defensively, the Crusaders forced the issue and didn't allow any cheap AHN (12-7) baskets. On offense, they moved the ball well and converted their chances more often than not.

"Our defensive intensity was key," Kroll said.

So was this: Five TC players scored in double figures.

Forward Sarah Brennan and guard Michelle Gingras produced 16 points each. Center Katelyn Bruns added 15.

For TC, its early season loss to AHN provided extra motivation.

"It helped us. It pushed us," TC guard Colette Eule said. "Everybody wanted to win."

Guard Katie Davis led the Jaguars with 20 points. Post player Ali Daigle added 14.

"I liked our effort, but not our execution," AHN coach Casey Higgins said. "TC is a great team. And we had some mental breakdowns."

[Last modified January 10, 2008, 00:06:26]