November 25, 2007

BRYANT DROPS HOME OPENER TO
FRANKLIN PIERCE, 65-54

Boxscore

SOPHOMORE KRISTIN MRAZ

SMITHFIELD, RI - The Bryant University women's basketball team fell in its home opener, 65-54, to Northeast-10 rival Franklin Pierce University Sunday afternoon at the Chace Athletic Center, despite a team-high 14 points from junior guard Cara Johnson (Endicott, NY).

Sophomores Kelsey O'Keefe (Warren, Mass.) and Kristin Mraz (Johnstown, NY) each chipped in 10 points for the Bulldogs (2-1, 1-1 NE-10) as well, but it wouldn't be enough to take down sophomore standout Johannah Leedham and the rest of the 4-0 Ravens (2-0 NE-10).

Leedham put up a game-high 32 points, going 10-for-18 from the field and 12-for-13 from the free throw line in 37 minutes. Leedham was the only Raven to break into double-digit scoring.

Franklin Pierce jumped out to an early lead to start the game, edging Bryant by as many as seven points before the Bulldogs fought their way back in with an 8-2 run to tie the game at 19-19 with 2:29 showing in the half.

The Ravens and Bulldogs would keep it close the rest of the frame, Franklin Pierce entering the break with a slight 23-21 advantage.

But after halftime, the Ravens refused to give Bryant the chance to gain any momentum and led the Bulldogs straight through a second half highlighted by 22 points from Leedham.

The teams' final stats Sunday were remarkably similar. The Ravens made 20-of-50 from the floor with three treys and 36 rebounds, while the Bulldogs went 19-for-57 with a pair of 3-pointers and 37 boards. Bryant owned a slight edge over Franklin Pierce in steals (10-9) and turnovers (20-22).

But where the Ravens hurt the Bulldogs the most was from the line, converting 22-of-26 chances to Bryant's 14-for-19.

Senior Lynne-Ann Kokoski (Hatfield, Mass.) grabbed a game-high nine rebounds while Mraz added four steals for the Bulldogs.

Bryant will hit the road again Wednesday to take on Assumption College at 5:30 p.m.