FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 1, 2001
 

NCAA Women’s Basketball
Monmouth 84, FDU 72

WEST LONG BRANCH — Monmouth University (3-3, 1-0 NEC) was sparked by Michelle Cappadona’s (Atlantic Highlands, N.J./ Red Bank Catholic) career-high 30 points as the Hawks defeated Fairleigh Dickinson 84-72 in their Northeast Conference opener at Boylan Gym in West Long Branch.  Cappadona’s previous career-high was 29 points in an overtime win against Hofstra in 2000.

The Hawks offense shot a solid 51.5 percent (35-of 68) from the field, while holding the Knights to only 42.9 percent (27-of-63) shooting.

FDU held a 40-38 halftime lead, but Monmouth opened the second half with a 9-0 run.  The Hawks would outscore their opponents in the second half by a 46-32 margin, pulling away by as much as 15 points.

In addition to her career-high point total, Cappadona also pulled down 10 rebounds for her second double-double this season. Rashawnah French (Newark, N.J./West Side) had a strong game with 15 points and nine rebounds. LaToya Thompson (Orange, N.J./Orange) was a force on the offensive glass, as she pulled down seven rebounds, six on offense, and scored 12 points.  Courtney Lumpkin (Newark, N.J./West Side) also had 12 points coming off the bench, shooting 75.0 percent. (6-of-8).

FDU (3-2, 0-1 NEC) was paced by Kay Odenwaelder, who had 17 points and nine rebounds.  Natallia Marchanka also scored 17 points, in addition to nine assists.

Monmouth returns to action on Wednesday, December 5 as the Hawks travel to Quinnipiac University to take on the Braves in a 7 p.m. Northeast Conference matchup.