OAKLAND, Calif. - The Concordia University Irvine women's basketball team, looking to go 2-0 on their current road trip, took on Holy Names University in a Saturday matinee. The Eagles swept the season series in dominating fashion with a 72-45 victory.
Looking to build off an impressive win over Dominican University the Eagles took control of the game early and never took their foot off the gas. Building a 16 lead in the first quarter the Eagles kept the pressure on for the rest of the game.
Coming off a double-double in her last game, junior forward Michaela VanderKlugt had another huge game in front of family and friends.
VanderKlugt finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds (six offensive), two assists and three steals. Her numbers are no surprise as she has been on a tear for the Eagles in their four Bay Area games this season.
The Eagles could have easily overlooked the Hawks as they have a date with the Sharks of Hawaii Pacific University on Wednesday, but instead they made sure to take care of business Saturday afternoon.
Head coach Christine Collins-Kiernan was encouraged by her team's ability to right the ship when the second quarter was not going their way.
"We had a great dialed first quarter and a complacent distracted second quarter," said Collins-Kiernan. "The half court adjustments were all mental ones. We needed to get back to the work we have done to be better defensively as a TEAM. Good teams play just well enough to win, GREAT teams play to their potential and focus all the time. So half time was a gentle reminder to re-evaluate if we are driven to be good or driven to be GREAT."
The Hawks were tenacious and played hard throughout the entire game. The Eagles matched their intensity tenfold and were in control the entire game even though the Hawks held the Eagles to just eight points in the second quarter.
The Eagles dominated the glass, out rebounding the Hawks 44-26. 18 of the Eagles' rebounds came on the offensive end.
Junior forward Kennedy Fulcher, second on the team in rebounds this season, finished with seven points and eleven rebounds (six offensive). She has been a force on the boards all year.
"One of my strengths has always been rebounding," said Fulcher. "However, coach Collins-Kiernan has also been putting in drills that help us work on rebounding as a team."
Freshman point guard Lainie James, coming off a near double-double, had another big game for the Eagles. She finished with 15 points on 4-8 shooting (3-6 from behind the three point line) and five rebounds off the bench.
The second half is where the Eagles offense erupted, scoring 47 points, two more than the Hawks scored for the entire game.
Sophomore guard Jasmine Rachal provided an offensive surge for the Eagles. She led the team with 16 points. Her third straight game in double figures.
Collins-Kiernan was pleased with the adjustments her team made at halftime but knows there is still work that needs to be done as the season hits the home stretch.
"I barely know who we play next as I am so present driven and us driven," said Collins-Kiernan. "I strive very hard to keep my team in that pocket as well! I am happy with the overall consistent production of the team as a WHOLE. The last two games we have been balanced in scoring and people filling their roles. For us to be great that needs to continue to develop and grow."
The Eagles are back in action on Wednesday night as they take on the first place Sharks at 5:30pm. For the full CUI women's basketball schedule click here.
