Quakers post second conference victory

For Immediate Release:
Jan. 6, 2006

RICHMOND, Ind. — The Earlham College women’s basketball team started 2006 in a big way on Friday night as the Quakers posted their third win in the last four games on Schuckman Court in the Athletics and Wellness Center.

Earlham (3-10, 2-2) evened its North Coast Athletic Conference mark with a 65-61 victory over Hiram College. “All wins are wonderful,” Earlham coach Liana Coutts said.

Tasha Merrill

First-year Tasha Merrill (Cedar Grove, IN/Franklin County) led the Quakers with a career-high 19 points. “Their physical play was disrupting her a little bit,” Coutts said. “She responded and she has the physical strength and skills to do that.” Merrill had 10 points in the second half and made all five of her shots.

Joining Merrill in double figures were sophomore Chelsea Caywood (Richmond, IN/Richmond) with 13 points and sophomore Whitney McBurrows (Lansing, MI/J.W, Sexton), who added 12 points. Coutts was pleased with the entire squad particularly since the team is so young. “When you’re able to get those close ones that is a great credit to them.” Coutts said. Caywood led the Quakers with seven rebounds, while first-year LeShea Orr (Dayton, OH/Jefferson) pulled down six rebounds.

Earlham led most of the first half even though the score was tied 30-30 at intermission. After falling behind briefly at the start of the second half, the Quakers worked their way to nine point advantages twice before Hiram (5-5, 0-3) closed the gap.

After a pair of Hiram free throws cut Earlham’s lead to 63-61 with 59 seconds remaining, the Quakers held off the Terriers and first-year Janee’ Covington (Indianapolis, IN/Arlington) slammed the door with two free throws with 10 seconds left. Covington finished with four points.

Earlham entertains Allegheny College on Saturday. The NCAC contest begins at 2 p.m.
Box score.