Monday, February 29, 2016

Seton Hall 71, Providence 54: Ray Floriani's Photo Essay

South Orange, NJ ­- Senior Day. A day of mixed emotions. We say goodbye to those seniors meaning so much to a given program, not just in the areas of rebounding, scoring points and handing out assists. The seniors honored, Tabatha Richardson­-Smith, Tiffany Jones, Jordan Mosley, Aleesha Powell, and Shakena Richardson, excelled on the floor and off as they represented the school and program with excellence and honor.

As coach Tony Bozzella said, “Senior Day is always a tough day. It is so emotional because we are sad to see them go. In the end, though, there is a game to be played.”

Following the ceremony, flowers, and hugs, Seton Hall had a meeting with Providence. The Friars entered with just one Big East win. Seton Hall was riding a four-game win streak with eyes on a Big East title and NCAA Tournament bid. A fast start by the home five soon saw a response, as Providence grabbed a first quarter lead. The Hall responded, building a lead of double digits. In the fourth quarter, with the Hall in command, Providence found their range and cut into the deficit. As they did before, the Pirates regrouped and answered. They finished the deal, earning a 71­-54 victory, a fifth straight, assuring them of a high seed and momentum heading into the conference tournament in Chicago.

The scoresheet tells us Seton Hall’s Tiffany Jones led the way with 18 points. On this day, the victory was a team effort, the celebration of and for the seniors; not just the players as Bozzella noted, but also the managers, cheerleaders, Sapphire dance team, and band.

Senior Day provided memories. Always does. This Seton Hall team, thanks to that senior leadership, is ready to add on a few more memories in this postseason.

Tabatha Richardson-Smith and her family with head coach Tony Bozzella:
Seton Hall's senior honorees and their families:
Tony Bozzella watches the action from the sideline:
Seton Hall cheerleaders getting the crowd going:
Seton Hall superfan Glenn "Starkman" Starkey, getting fired up:
Seton Hall's Shakena Richardson weighs her options:
The ubiquitous John Fanta, interviewing Providence head coach Susan Robinson Fruchtl:
Seton Hall men's players,  fresh off a win over No. 5 Xavier earlier in the day, were in attendance to support the women:

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