Spirit Pull The Plug
January 25, 2004 - National Women's Basketball League (NWBL)
Springfield Spirit News Release
By: Benny Fairchild
Although the gymnasium was full of energy, The Springfield Spirit caused a power outage as they knocked out the Birmingham Power with an exciting 76-59 victory.
The game was close in the first half until the Spirit turned a rare five point play. Up just two point following the fourth lead change of the half Cindy Blodgett hit a three, but that wasn't the only action of the moment. Tiffany Kyser would be the victim of an off the ball foul. With the Spirit already in the bonus she would be heading to the foul line where she knocked down both free-throws to complete the play.
From then on it was the Spirit's game. The Power made a slight run in the second half cutting a 13 point lead to nine, but on the following possession Blodgett would bring the fan's to their feet as she hit another 3 giving the Spirit a 62-51 lead. The fan's however, weren't the only ones energized by the shot. "Anytime when we're flying down the court and they leave Cindy open my eyes light up too. Everyone's should," said Spirit head coach Tory Verdi.
From that point on the lead would swell to 17 points as the Spirit picked up their first win of the year. Blodgett who had a game high 15 points coming off of the bench was joined in double figures by Kyser with 12 and Andrea Garner who added 10 to the effort.
For the Power Alissa Burras came to life in the second half scoring 10 of her team high 14 points. She was joined in the double digit club by Jen Surlas with 12 and Gail Strumpf with 11.
The story of the day was picking up their first win, but tonight the players were not alone. With a little added help from the fans the ladies played full of Spirit. "When you have them behind you it excites you that much more and gets your adrenaline pumping a little bit. The fans were great and if I could thank each and every one of them I would," said Springfield guard Brianne Stepherson. Well guess what Bri, you just did.
National Women's Basketball League Stories from January 25, 2004
- Spirit Pull The Plug - Springfield Spirit
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