FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 24, 2001
 

NCAA Women’s Basketball
Monmouth 58, Northwestern 53

MIAMI — Monmouth University posted its first-ever victory over a Big Ten Conference school in women’s basketball as the Hawks posted a 58-53 victory over Northwestern University Saturday afternoon in the consolation match of the Florida International University Thanksgiving Classic at Golden Panther Arena in Miami, Fla.

The Hawks once again got a solid performance out of their defense as Monmouth held the Wildcats to just 30.6 percent (19-of-62) shooting from the field.

Monmouth raced out to a 29-26 halftime lead as Northwestern made just 10-of-33 from the field. In the second half, the Hawks held off some late Wildcat charges, despite hitting just 12-of-20 from the charity stripe down the stretch. Northwestern did not help its own cause as the Wildcats made only 9-of-21 shots from the free throw line themselves.

The Hawks’ offensive assault was led by Michelle Cappadona. The Atlantic Highlands, N.J., native tallied 15 points and seven rebounds to lead the charges. Jewonda Bright just missed her third consecutive double-double as she contributed nine points and 11 rebounds. Rashawnah French registered eight points and eight rebounds. One night after the Hawks bench went scoreless vs. Michigan State, Erin Winston came off the pine to add 11 points and two rebounds.

Northwestern’s offense was paced by Sarah Kwasinsky who logged 1a double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds. Emily Butler added nine points.

The victory gave Monmouth its first-ever women’s hoop win vs. the prestigious Big Ten Conference. The Hawks came into the contest with earlier losses to Penn State during the 1982-83 season, Minnesota during the 1994-95 campaign and Michigan State on Friday.

Monmouth returns to action on Thursday, November 29 as the Hawks host Seton Hall University in a 7 p.m. contest at Boylan Gym.