A Tale of Two Halves
Published on January 18, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Benny Fairchild
Springfield Spirit Public Relations
It was a tale of two halves on the campus of Central Connecticut State University as the Springfield Spirit fell to the Dallas Fury 75-67. The game served as the season opener for both teams.
The first half saw the Fury jump out to a 15-point lead, but in true Spirit fashion the ladies fought back to cut the lead to one late in the second half. At the half the Spirit trailed 40-28, but the second half would be another story. In the second half the Spirit would outscore the Fury 39-35. Head Coach of the Spirit, Tory Verdi may have put it best when he said that his team, "chose when to play."
Perhaps one reason for the first half woes was the late edition of Swin Cash to the Spirit roster. Although Cash joining the team has been highly anticipated she entered play in today's game with less than one practice under her belt. Cash led the way with 20 points and 15 rebounds, but Verdi felt at moments she was trying to do it all.
Cash was helped out by 13 points from Cindy Blodgett who provided energy off the bench during their second half surge. Joining Cash and Blodgett in double figures was Rita Williams with 11 points.
Leading the way for Dallas was Anna DeForge with 21 points. Last year's WNBA Rookie of the Year, Cheryl Ford contributed 12 points and 6 rebounds in a performance that was cut short when she fouled out with just over a minute to play.
In addition to Ford and Deforge, Yolanda Moore reached double figures with 14 points on 4-5 shooting, with 6 points coming via the free-throw.
Tonight's game however, was not a preview of the season. "We have better players than we showed tonight," said Verdi. The Spirit's next test will come on the 25th as they take on the Birmingham Power.
American Hockey League Stories from January 18, 2004
- Krajicek Recalled to Florida - San Antonio Rampage
- IceCats Drown Rats late in OT - Worcester IceCats
- A Tale of Two Halves - Springfield Falcons
- Canucks Re-Assign Auld to Moose; Moose Re-Assign McVicar to Inferno - Manitoba Moose
- Phantoms keep Norfolk on the skids - OSC Original by David W. Unkle
- Phantoms keep Norfolk on the skids - OSC Original by David W. Unkle
- Bears Fall to Cleveland, 3-1 - Hershey Bears
- Toivonen, Walsh lead Bruins to tie in Portland - Providence Bruins
- Wolves top Aeros 5-2 - Houston Aeros
- Phantoms defeat Norfolk 4-1 - Adirondack Phantoms
- Moose Re-Assign Smith to Inferno - Manitoba Moose
- Canucks Recall Hedberg - Manitoba Moose
- Aeros Game Day - Houston Aeros
- Grizzlies Can't Find Any Offense Against Hartford - Utah Grizzlies
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