FCU WBB vs Ave Maria Recap

Once again, the FGCU women's basketball team took on another NAIA basketball team. No, it was not Southeastern University, although I would love a rematch with them. FGCU faced Ave Maria for the third time in program history and won by a score of 99-35.

Obviously, this game did not count for the Gyrenes (10-2) as it was an exhibition game for them, and it counted as a season game for the Eagles (10-2), but would not affect their RPI rankings. The game, to me, was a lite aftermath game after the Eagles upset #20 Kentucky 70-64 last Friday's game.

Five players reached double figures in points for the Eagles with sophomore Tytionia Adderly leading the way with her fourth career double-double. Adderly finished with 15 points (6-for-7 FG, 1-for-1 3FG, 2-for-3 FT), 13 rebounds (seven offensive, six defensive), one assist, one block and two steals.

Sophomore Nas Ulel had 10 points and five rebounds.

Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan had eight points, one rebound and one assist. Grandijan has 1,026 points after passing Courtney Chihill (1,016) for eighth place on the program's career scoring list in the Division-I era. Grandijan is 109 points away from passing FGCU basketball alumnus and current video coordinator Stephanie Haas (1,135).

Senior Erica Nelson had six points, one rebound, two assists and three steals.

Senior Rose Julien did not score any points, but contributed with two rebounds and one steal. Julien was getting extended rest after averaging 24 points in the last two games. Her streak of seven consecutive games with at least 10 points came to an end, and it also marked the first time in her FGCU career that she did not make at least one field goal.

Throughout the game, it was the bench that provided a lot of sparks for the game. Redshirt senior Jessica Cattani led the way with points for the whole team. Cattani, who came off the bench, scored 21 points (7-for-9 FG, 4-for-5 3FG, 3-for-5 FT) with one rebound, five assists and four steals. Her 21 points tied for a career-high.

Redshirt freshman Chandler Ryan and freshman Alyssa Blair both had a career and season-high 12 points each. Ryan also added four rebounds, one assist and four steals, while Blair added five rebounds, two assists and one steal.

Redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka added five points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal.

Freshman Liberty Brown and sophomore Samantha Kisiel contributed with five points each. Brown added one steal, while Kisiel added six rebounds, one assist and one steal.

Freshman Sheahen Dowling and redshirt senior China Dow also contributed off the bench. Dowling added three rebounds, one assist and two steals while Dow added three rebounds, four assists and one steal.

"Ty (Adderly) and Erica (Nelson) got us off to a great start. Their intensity - Erica was deflecting a lot of balls and really causing problems defensively and forcing turnovers," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "Ty I think had six offensive rebounds by the first media timeout, so I thought those two had great first halves. We were able to get a pretty big cushion and that allowed us to get a look at some kids who haven't played a lot during the year so far. I thought the bright spot was Cattani, who is a good player but hasn't played a lot because of injuries and not practicing a lot. I thought she had an excellent game and she led us in scoring today plus five assists, no turnovers, four steals. Just a complete game by Jess."

The only player on the Gyrenes that scored in double digits was sophomore Sarah Miller. Miller finished with 10 points and four rebounds.

Senior Jasmine Bateman finished with nine points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals.

A lot of fans were chanting "We want 100". Even the cheerleaders were chanting "We want 100", but unfortunately it did not happen. Even I was a little disappointed about it.

Legitimately, I didn't even stand up for 95% of the game. Since we were pummeling Ave Maria so badly, I just sat down, relaxed, stretched my legs out and watched the beating in hand.

Up next, FGCU will be on a brief road trip as they go against the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (6-4) next Sunday at 1 P.M. before coming back home to compete and host in the FGCU Hilton Garden Inn Classic where they will welcome Akron, Harvard and SIU-Edwardsville.

"It's going to be really tough," Smesko said. "It's going to be at their place. I know they've beaten a couple BCS programs already. They're a top level mid-major. To go on the road and play them will be quite a challenge."