Quakers play in Rose-Hulman Tournament

For Immediate Release:
Dec. 16, 2005

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — The Earlham College women’s basketball team opened the Rose-Hulman Tournament on Friday against the host squad on Friday night as the Engineers defeated the Quakers 68-56 in Hulbert Arena.

Earlham (1-8) plays Robert Morris-Springfield (8-7) in the consolation game on Saturday at 1 p.m. Marian (6-2) beat Robert Morris-Springfield 69-66 in overtime in the other contest on Friday to earn a spot in the championship game at 3 p.m. against Rose-Hulman (5-5).

First-year Janee’ Covington (Indianapolis, IN/Arlington) led the Quakers with 19 points. “Janee' is giving us a huge lift off the bench,” Earlham coach Liana Coutts said.
Junior Guin Summerton (Williams, IN/Shoals) was the other Earlham player in double figures with 11 points.

Sophomore Chelsea Caywood (Richmond, IN/Richmond) added nine points and six rebounds. First-year LeShea Orr (Dayton, OH/Jefferson) led the Quakers with eight rebounds, while scoring six points. First-year Tasha Merrill (Cedar Grove, IN/Franklin County) pulled down seven rebounds for Earlham.

Suzy Carlson led Rose-Hulman with 24 points, while Rebekah Forsyth added 19 points and 13 rebounds. “They got us with their experience,” Coutts said. “Carlson and Forsyth are their best players. We played well for 30-35 minutes, but they hurt us from the free throw line.” The Engineers made all 22 of their free throw attempts.

The Quakers jumped out to a 7-2 lead after Summerton nailed a 3-pointer and followed with another score at the 16:06 mark of the first half. Earlham also had leads of 17-15 and 19-18 before the Engineers went in front to stay at 20-19 with 6:13 remaining in the opening period. Rose-Hulman eventually led 26-23 at intermission.

In the second half, Rose-Hulman led by as much 23 points before the Quakers rallied late in the contest. Earlham closed the gap to 10 points on several occasions, but could not get any closer. Box score.