Press Release

JANUARY 12, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: CHRISTINE FRANCIES, ASST. SID
260-481-0729

Valpo Fights Past IPFW

Valparaiso, IN - Even when IPFW was down by 23, it didn't stop them. The Mastodons fought hard to chip away at the deficit but still fell short at Valparaiso, 69-52.

After Valpo went up by six in the first the Mastodons went on a 7-0 run to take the lead with just under twelve minutes to go in the first. The Mastodons and Crusaders fought back and forth until Valpo began to pull away again with just five to go. By halftime Valparaiso was up by 13.

After the intermission, the Crusaders continued their run, taking their lead to 23 points. The Mastodons begin to chip away at the deficit with just over 10 minutes left, but they were unable to make it up in the end.

Ashley Johnson led the Dons with 21 points and six boards for the night. Johnson sat out just a minute of the entire game and went 8 of 12 from the field and 5 of 6 from the charity stripe. She also put up two assists and three steals.

Natalie Roberts matched Johnson's rebounds with six. Nanyamka Moore put up three steals for the evening.

The Crusaders were led by Tamra Braun with 18 points and Betsy Rietema posted 17 points and seven boards. Carrie Myers rounded out the top three with 10 points.

The Mastodons will continue their road trip and head to Longwood for a 4 pm start time on Saturday (1/14). IPFW will then head to the Dakotas next weekend with games at South Dakota State on Thursday (1/19) and North Dakota State on Saturday (1/21). Their next home game is Wednesday January 25 against Butler University. Game time is 7 pm at the Gates Center.

~ Dons ~