By BILL LEVY (Click Here to see photos)
It only seemed natural that the Florida Gulf Coast University women’s basketball team, which has accomplished so already this season, would close their regular season out with another memorable game; a 78-47 victory over Jacksonville University on Saturday night in front of 3,121 at the Alico Center. With the win, the 21 ranked Eagles are now 26-2, and a perfect 14-0 in Atlantic Sun Conference play. Their win streak is now at a program best 22 games, which is third in the country. They are now scheduled to host the University of North Florida on Friday in the Atlantic Sun Quarterfinals.
Before the game, seniors Anthi Chatzigiakoumi and Jenna Cobb were honored in a special Senior Night ceremony.
“It was nice,” said Chatzigiakoumi, a 6’1” forward who hails from Athens, Greece. “It was nice to see all the people come out and see us.”
Though the game was also memorable to Cobb, she was quick to point out her season is far from done.
“If we didn’t have any more games, I think I would have (cried) earlier,” the New Holland, OH native said. “I held it to the end. Everything we did we focused on winning. I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity to play here and also at Butler (where she transferred from).”
The Eagles got off to a slow start, and actually trailed the Dolphins (11-16, 6-8) 10-9 at about the midway point of the first half. They then closed the half on a 30-11 run to go into halftime leading 39-21 and having taken full control of the game.
“Jacksonville is a physical, tough team,” said Eagles coach Karl Smesko.
FGCU was ultimately able to overcome any a Dolphins’ upset bid in large part due to the play of junior guard Kaneisha Atwater who led all scorers with 29 points and also led all players with four steals.
“She did a great job on both ends of the floor,” Smesko said. “She brought so much energy tonight. We worked this off-season on trying to take advantage of her skills better. She is a great player. I am glad she is on our team.”
Also in double figures for the Eagles were Katie Meador and DyTiesha Dunson who each had 13 points.
Though there is no telling how far FGCU can go this season, they are not looking beyond Friday’s game.
“We take it game by game,” Atwater, who is from Fort Pierce, FL said. “If we win that won, then we will focus on the next one.”
One thing everyone does seem to agree on though was summed up by Chatzigiakoumi.
“We aren’t done,” she said.