Franklin Pierce Shoots 
Past Assumption, 70-53
Power’s career-best 19 points and Leedham spark Ravens to victory in NE-10 opener

WORCESTER, Mass. (November 21, 2006) – Franklin Pierce overcame a slow start, using a key run late in the first half to fuel a 70-53 victory at Assumption College in Northeast-10 Conference women’s basketball action at Laska Gym this evening.

            Sophomore Vanessa Power (Mildura, Australia) and freshman Johannah Leedham (Ellesmere Port, England) led Franklin Pierce, each carrying the team in opposite halves. Power scored 12 of her career-high 19 points in the first half, while Leedham scored 20 of her game-high 22 points in the second after playing just four minutes in the first half after picking up three quick fouls. Power was a perfect 6-for-6 from the field, hitting all four of her attempts from three-point range, and also totaled five rebounds and two steals. Leedham connected on 8-15 from the field and added six rebounds (all second half), a game-high seven assists and three steals.

Sophomore Jennifer Leedham (Ellesmere Port, England/Cheshire Academy) matched her season-high with 14 points to go with a game-high seven rebounds (three offensive), five assists and three steals.            

Junior Sara Czarnecki (Cumberland, R.I./Cumberland) came off the bench to lead Assumption with 11 points and seven rebounds (six offensive) to go with three assists. Classmate Charde Floyd (Worcester, Mass./Worcester Academy) rounded out the Greyhounds double-figure scorers with ten points (six first half), five rebounds, two blocks and two steals.

            Franklin Pierce held a five point lead (30-25) thanks to a 54.5-percent (6-for-11) shooting effort from three-point range and 16 Assumption turnovers in the frame. The Ravens erased a ten-point (17-7) deficit 7:50 into the first half with a 14-3 run over the next eight minutes to take their first lead of the game (21-20) on a Power three-pointer with 4:52 to play in the half. Another Power three sparked a 7-0 run to put Franklin Pierce up 28-21 after a Jennifer Leedham three with 2:08 left before the Ravens settled on a five-point cushion (30-25) at the break.

            Johannah Leedham took over from the out-set of the second half, sparking a 13-6 opening run to put the Ravens up 12 (43-31) 6:15 into the frame. Leedham netted eight points over that stretch. Franklin Pierce’s lead was 11 (49-38) with 9:51 left before it took control for good with a 19-6 run to open a 24-points lead (68-44) with 3:45 left in regulation.

            Franklin Pierce finished shooting 45.3-percent (24-53) for the contest, including 47.4% (9-19) from three-point range and forced 30 Assumption turnovers. The Ravens hit 55.6% (15-27) of their shots in the second half. The Greyhounds shot 40.4% (21-52) from the field and came up empty on eight attempts from three-point range.

            Franklin Pierce (2-1, 1-0 NE-10) opens its home schedule on Sunday when it hosts Bryant University at 1:30 p.m. Assumption (1-3, 0-1 NE-10) travels to Saint Anselm College on Sunday, with tip-off also set for 1:30 p.m.

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