East Regional Coverage: Franklin Pierce Handles Molloy, Headed for Regional Final

by Casey Williams

Jewel White had a career-high 22 points, along with 17 rebounds, as No. 2 Franklin Pierce defeated Molloy College 76-58 at Fitchburg State College Saturday night.

With the win, Franklin Pierce advances to the the Division II Sweet 16 for the third consecutive year. The victory, the team’s 30^th, also sets a program record for wins in a season.

“I was absolutely impressed with our first half performance on the defensive end,” said Ravens Head Coach Steve Hancock. “We moved the ball well. We were unselfish, and when we get the ball in and work off Jewel, we’re in good shape.

But I thought we broke down and played poor defensively in the second half. We didn’t pressure the ball.” Franklin Pierce limited Molloy to 22 first-half points, but were outscored in the second half 36-31.

White, with Head Coach Steve Hancock, scored a career-high 22 points against Molloy.

Molloy cut Franklin Pierce’s lead to 16 with 14:33 remaining, and trimmed it to 12 with under five minutes to play. Guard Lisa Claxton led four Molloy seniors in double figures, with 13 points. E.J. Dreyer contributed 11 points, and Kymira Woodbury and Tatiana Lopez each added 10.

The Lions were the champions of the East Coast Conference and also set a program record with 22 wins this season. Their victory over Pace in the East Regional opening round was the school’s first NCAA Tournament win in any sport. In their only other meeting this season, Franklin Pierce defeated Molloy 77-67 at the Fieldhouse on November 21.

White continues to play well in an expanded role since the knee injury to center Tori Ahrens, setting career highs in both points and rebounds. Her 17 boards tonight were second only to her 23-rebound performance in the NE-10 Championship game March 7.

“I love rebounding,” said White. “Everybody has a role, and its my part to the team. Its my job to box out and go get the ball.”

Hancock said, “Shes stepped it up to another level. I’m so happy for her because shes emerged as a huge piece of what we’re trying to accomplish.”

The Ravens will battle with Holy Family in the East Regional Final Monday night. Holy Family, of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference, surprised Franklin Pierce-rival Stonehill earlier on Saturday, with a 64-47 win. Junior Catherine Carr led the way with 17 points.

“Shes the best point guard I’ve seen all year,” said Hancock of Carr.

The top-seeded and No. 2-nationally ranked Ravens will host the NCAA East Regional Final Monday, March 16, at 7:00 p.m. at Fitchburg State College. Tickets are $7 for adults, and $5 for children, seniors and college students with an ID. Game audio will also be available at the Athletics website.