By Ryan Lazo, Editor in Chief, @RMLazo13
Game Story: St. Bonaventure looked to snap a nine-game skid against La Salle, the Bonnies came out inspired, jumping out to an early 7-2 advantage on Senior Day. Playing tough defense and utilizing the entire shot-clock, St. Bonaventure kept the game close throughout and earned the 71-58 victory in their final game of the season. Alaina Walker and Doris Ortega led the way for Bona with 18 points apiece followed be CeCe Dixon with 16 points of her own.
Senior Day Streak: Under head coach Jim Crowley, the Bonnies are now 9-4 on senior day and are currently riding a five-game winning streak. The streak began with an upset over No. 13 George Washington in the 2007-08 season.
Walker’ing Away: Alaina Walker has been among the best defenders in the Atlantic 10 Conference, but in her senior season she has erupted on offense. Walker has set a career-high in points this season with 21 against UMass and showed off he offensive skills against La Salle. The senior dropped in 18 points on 8-for-14 shooting in her final game in the Brown and White.
Ortega’s Streaking: Doris Ortega has scored now scored in double-digits for the 10th consecutive game after her 17-point performance on 6-of-9 shooting from the field. Ortega’s streak began with 16 points against Rhode Island and she has averaged 12.3 points per game during its duration.
CeCe For Three: The junior guard has rediscovered her 3-point stroke over the last three games, hitting at least two treys in each game. Against La Salle, Dixon nailed two first 3-pointers en route to a 14-point performance on 4-for-9 shooting, including 6-of-8 from the free throw line.
Fighting To The End: While the Bonnies have embarked on a disappointing season following a Sweet 16 run, Bona has never faltered to battle teams to the final whistle. Trailing by 13 points with 37 seconds to then No. 14 Dayton, Bona stormed to within four points before falling to the Flyers. Bona then fought back from a 16-point deficit at Fordham to pull within one before falling to the Rams. The Bonnies have been one possession away, showing hope for a bright future.
Walker On The Glass: After recording five rebounds, Alaina Walker just become the 10th player in St. Bonaventure women’s basketball history to grab 600 plus rebounds in a career.
Farewell: St. Bonaventure bid adieu to two seniors who were instrumental in forming a winning tradition with the Brown and White. Alaina Walker has played in 125 games during her four seasons at Bona, averaging 6.1 points per game, but her best contribution has been on the defensive end. Her tenacity on that side of the ball has helped Bona shut down numerous All-Conference players, helping the program reach new height. Jordan McGee came to Bona as a junior college transfer and also helped make Crowley’s defense among the top in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Eliminated: For the first time since the 2005-06 season, St. Bonaventure will not qualify for the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament. That season the Bonnies finished with a 9-18 record and just a 3-13 mark in conference play. This year, St. Bonaventure lost their first two conference games before winning their next two, setting the stage for their season-ending 10 game slide.
Next Up: An off-season to help the freshmen develop from their impressive debut seasons in the Brown and White and once again establish a winning tradition.
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