2008 Woodie Awards
In loss, Webster battles Fontbonne, officials, themselves
By: Tom Parr
Issue date: 3/2/06 Section: Sports
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The Gorloks lost to the Griffins 48-49 in the Maloney Arena at Maryville. The game at its onset was almost brutal to watch, but delivered an exciting finish.
The first half was uncharacteristically sloppy for Webster as the team committed 13 turnovers and eight fouls. Fortunately for the Gorloks, Fontbonne had problems capitalizing and shot a miserable 26 percent from the floor in the first half. The Griffins were able to make the most of their numerous trips to the line, however, sinking eight of 12, which helped them build a 22-20 halftime lead.
A one-point loss may give the impression that a game was lost in heartbreaking, last-second fashion. This game ultimately would end similarly, but Webster head coach Amber Daulbuagh pointed out that this game, although close throughout, might have been lost much earlier.
"It wasn't those last final possessions that got us to lose by one point," Daulbaugh said. "We were doing things with early possessions that we should have done a better job of taking care of so that it doesn't get to that point down the stretch."
Referring, primarily to ball handling and offensive execution, which was certainly not there for the Gorloks that night.
The second half saw more of the same from both teams with the Gorloks keeping the Griffins in the game with careless passes and more personal fouls.
"We just kind of worked against ourselves," Daulbaugh said. "We kept trying to force things just weren't there."
Some of those fouls throughout the game though, were questionable but Daulbaugh refuses to blame the referees for the loss.
"We have to learn to adjust to that (officiating). I haven't been pleased with the officiating, but that doesn't get me anywhere," Daulbaugh said.
But one of those debatable calls came at a costly time for Webster. With 1:50 left in the game, and the Gorloks leading 46- 42, senior captain Kim Sheets was issued a technical foul for, as Daulbaugh put it, "communicating her dissatisfaction" to an official who took exception.
Three resulting free throws by Fontbonne's Michelle Reale made it a 46-45 Webster lead.
Webster freshmen center Ashley Patterson scored with 1:36 left and put the Gorloks up three.
Fontbonne's Hilary Barkley hit a big three-pointer tying the game at 49-49. That shot was followed by a free throw from
Reale, putting the visitors up one with 12 seconds left.
Webster's last shot of the 2005- 06 season was a sophomore guard Kasey Schultz lay-up attempt that resulted in yet another questionable call or no call as time expired. Schultz was whistled for a charge instead of what appeared to be a blatant defensive foul.
High scorers for Webster were Sheets with 18 points and nine rebounds and Patterson with 15 points and 12 boards.
Reale led all Griffin scorers with 15 points and seven rebounds.
Webster finished the season with a 16-10, 12-10 conference.