Nov. 30, 2006

Basketball enters 2006-07 season

Mattie Unger
ungerm@marietta.edu

Men’s and Women’s Basketball opened their seasons over the past two weeks. Each team participated in tournaments as part of their preseason play.

The Men’s team competed in the Case Western Alumni Association Tip-Off Tournament. Their first matchup of the season had the Pioneers facing Thiel College. MC defeated Thiel 75-59.

Day two of the tournament set Marietta to play Medaille. The Pios dominated the game and came out with their second win of the season 81-59.

Senior Matthew Rucker was named the Tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Strong performances were also turned in by junior Matt Philips and sophomores Osaiah Creasap and Tyler Morando.

The Women’s Basketball Team has seen more play than the Men’s. They opened their season at the Penn State-Behrend Tournament in Erie, Pa. The Lady Pioneers were unable to come up with a win that weekend. They fell to strong teams from SUNY-Fredonia 55-83 and Waynesburg 55-76.

Before entering into a second tournament, the Marietta Pios competed against Thiel College. Once again, the Pioneers fell short. They lost to Thiel 70-77.

Following the loss to Thiel, Marietta hosted the 22nd Annual Jim Meagle Turkey Shoot Tournament over Thanksgiving weekend. Day one of the tournament had MC facing Washington and Jefferson. W&J took the game 71-42.

However, the Lady Pioneers were able to bounce back from their loss on the second day of the tournament. Marietta earned their first win of the season against Meyers 60-52.

The start of the season has shown strong performances by juniors Abby Hess and Justine Pagenhardt. Freshmen Jamie Beckett has also proven to be a strong offensive player.