March 9, 2007

Final Stats

MORROW, GA- Columbus State University's Cherwonna Walker secured a key offensive rebound with 9 seconds remaining to help the Lady Cougars preserve a 59-57 win over Elizabeth City State University in the first round of the NCAA South Atlantic Regional Friday evening.

The loss ends both the Lady Vikings' season at 21-10 overall and their first ever appearance in the post season in school history.

After trailing most of the second half the Lady Vikings rallied to take a 51-50 lead after a made free throw by Christina Hager. Columbus State would respond by pushing their lead back 5 (56-51) with 1:20 to go in regulation. Then a jumper and steal by Ashley Bowman followed by an assisted lay-up from Bowman to Deanna Price trimmed the lead to 1 (56-55) with 46 ticks left. The two team traded baskets before Hager's fifth foul sent Shanrika Hardeman to the free throw line were she made the first of two before Walker's offensive rebound allowed Columbus State to run out the clock.

The Lady Cougars (21-10) now move on to face top seeded Clayton State Saturday at 8:00pm.

ECSU was paced by Deanna Price who in her final collegiate game led ECSU with a team high 16 points. Also in her final basketball outing Tanika Hudgins added 14 points. Celeste Trahan closes her junior campaign with her 62nd career double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds.

For more information on ECSU Athletics, visit www.ecsuvikings.com