Wednesday, March 4, 2015

FDU 84, Sacred Heart 75: Ray Floriani's Photo Essay

Teaneck, NJ- In many conferences, everyone is in the postseason extravaganza. In some, you qualify. The Northeast Conference takes the top eight of their ten members. No postseason guarantee, you earn your way in. On Monday evening, the Sacred Heart and FDU women were finishing their regular season schedule. Both are qualified for that field of eight, which provided some interesting dynamics.

Less than a week ago, FDU dropped a one-point decision at Sacred Heart. Naturally, there was incentive to even the score. Going into the tournament with a victory was another motivation for both teams. Getting the victory and finishing on a high note to use as momentum for the ‘second season’ gave us a scenario much greater than two teams just playing out the regular campaign. 

The result saw an 84-75 victory by FDU, a wide-open, entertaining affair with six double-digit scorers, three from each side. In the final analysis with so many stepping to the fore, taking their turns, the game was essentially property of the Knights thanks to their marquee player. 

Any good team needs support personnel to perform duties as rebound, set screens, defend etc. Coaches also like to have that player who, as Al McGuire said, “gets his (in this case her) picture on the cover of the press guide.” FDU had her in center Erika Livermore, a 31 point scorer adding 18 rebounds. Livermore has a sixth sense for the ball in traffic. She logged 34 minutes and was a major catalyst in the FDU victory.

On this night, we were treated to more than another regular season-ending game. We were also beneficiaries of a great performance as a bonus.

A video review by officials Joe Barrise, Michael Schmidt and John Fitzpatrick:
FDU's Amanda Andrades walking the ball up the floor to initiate the offense:
Sacred Heart's Katie Shepard looks at the score during a free throw break:
Legendary FDU public address announcer Burt Shoobs, working his 847th consecutive game as the voice of the Knights, both men and women. That figure Burt tells is about half the games the FDU men have played in their history:
FDU coach Pete Cinella does not appear pleased with what transpired:
Sacred Heart huddles with coach Jessica Mannetti during a late game timeout:
Erika Livermore of FDU, a 31-point, 18-rebound performer, attempting to inbound versus pressure in the waning minutes:

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