RELEASE DATE: 12/21/05

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MOUNTAINEER RALLY COMES UP SHORT AGAINST SHIPPENSBURG

MANSFIELD – Mansfield University junior Jessica Ulrich had a double-double, but the team’s late rally came up just short as the Mountaineers dropped a PSAC cross-over match 65-63 against Shippensburg University Wednesday.

Senior Alison Tagliaferri started a 10-0 run for the Mountaineers on a lay-up at the 7:17 mark of the second half. Two minutes, Mansfield pulled to within two points when junior Ulrich sank a two point shot and made her free throw attempt.

The rally did not prove to be enough as Mansfield would pull no closer and dropped the game by two points.

The Mountaineers jumped out to an early 6-0 lead and led the Raiders until the 10:44 mark of the first half. Mansfield knotted the score at 16 on a lay-up by Ulrich. The Raiders then closed out the opening quarter with a 13-6 run.

Mansfield was hurt by a 37.3 shooting percentage. Shippensburg also out-rebounded the Mountaineers 40-36.

Ulrich ended the night with a double-double, scoring 16 points and pulling down 16 rebounds. Tagliaferri led all scorers with 20 points. She also pulled down eight rebounds. Becky Ayers had an impressive second half scoring 16 points -- including two 3-point baskets to bring the Mounties back to within two points.

The loss drops Mansfield to 4-5 on the season. They next travel to Delaware for a match against Goldey-Beacom College Dec. 30.

###