The Alma College Athletics Department has promoted Pink Zone Breast Cancer Awareness Week with a series of activities which culminated this afternoon, with the Women's and Men's home basketball doubleheader in Cappaert Gymnasium. The biggest crowds of the season came out today to support a very worthy cause and support the Scots' two teams.
Hope College, ranked 4th in the country, were the visitors on this 2010 Pink Zone Day. The Scots hung in and battled a very good squad before eventually losing a 71-60 decision. Alma is now 4-8 in the league (5-16 overall), while the Flying Dutch improved to 20-1 in 2009-10 (12-0 MIAA).
"This is a day we encouraged our entire community to come out and support a cause which is extremely important, and one that affects almost everybody at some point in their lives," said Alma Head Coach Keisha Brown. "The turnout was very good, and although we did not win the game, I thought our girls played hard and put themselves into a position to compete. Despite the loss, I have a smile on my face for what this day meant. Now we will get ready for an important game at Albion on Wednesday."
Hope jumped out to an 18-9 lead on a free throw by Carrie Snikkers, but the Scots reeled off the next eight points, capped by a three-pointer by Sr. F Kathryn Bigelow (Alma, MI/Alma) at the 10:11 mark. The Flying Dutch regained the edge and went into halftime with a 39-29 advantage.
The turning point of the game occurred three minutes into the second half, as the Scots had a chance to cut the Dutch lead to five points. However, a steal on the offensive end resulted in a lay-up for Hope making the score 44-35 at the 15:49 mark of the second half. After the turnover, Hope went on a run of 15-4 which gave them a lead of 59-39 with 9:59 remaining.
Jr. F Sydney Beckwith (Weidman, MI/Beal City) led the way for Alma with 15 points, while Sr. F Meagan Hoblet (Cadillac, MI/Cadillac) was next with 13 points. Sr. G Lauren Hasler (Mt. Pleasant, MI/Sacred Heart) added 11 points for the Scots. Sr. F Kathryn Bigelow (Alma, MI/Alma) led the way on the boards with 10 rebounds.
