The Loyola Lady Greyhounds cruised to a 73-56 victory tonight over the Yale Bulldogs at Reitz Arena. The victory which was Loyola’s fifth consecutive raised their overall record to 7-1 and concludes their eight game out of conference schedule. The Lady Greyhounds controlled the opening tip and scored a quick basket on their way to an 8-0 early advantage. The lead was stretched to 43-28 at halftime. Yale never really made a game of it in the second half. The closest that Yale got in the second stanza was nine points. However, Loyola then went on a run to put the game away. I do not have the benefit of the stat sheet so I can not provide the scoring/rebounding leaders but based on what I can remember, Mary Anne Kirsch and Erica Rath were both in double digits in scoring.

GOOD:
PATTY WHO?:  After Loyola got off to a great start, Lou Whiteman (a fanatical alumnus) exclaimed "Patty who?" in reference to former Loyola head coach Patty Coyle who resigned on December 16th to take a job with the WNBA’s New York Liberty. New head coach Cindy Anderson is now 3-0 heading into the league opener at Fairfield on New Year’s Day. Cindy looked very composed and in control on the sidelines. The team seems to be in good hands with Coach Anderson. Only 97 more wins to tie Coach Coyle!

SHANNON’S SHARP: Super sub Shannon Cohen came off of the bench and immediately created chaos for the Bulldogs as she forced several quick turnovers. It is almost unfair to play pressure defense with both Shannon and Jina Mosley on the court at the same time.  In addition to the many turnovers that she caused, Cohen recorded numerous assists and also made several  passes that led directly to baskets which technically are not counted as assists in the official statistics. For those of you who wondered what Loyola will do for a point guard when Corey Hewitt’s career ends this winter, wonder no more. Shannon will definitely meet the challenge.

THE BAD:
ATTENDANCE:  There appeared to be more Yale students at the game than Loyola students. That is really sad. I know that less than one-third of Loyola students live in Maryland but come on that is no excuse. This team could be Loyola’s best ever so let’s give them the support that they deserve. The next home game is this Sunday at 2 PM against Manhattan. Forget the NFL playoffs. Head out to Reitz!

STATS:  As soon as I get them, I'll post them.  Promise.