By Anthony Gannon
Sports Assignment Editor
RALEIGH, N.C. — “Obviously we would have liked to have been more competitive in this game on the basketball side of things,” women’s basketball coach Jim Crowley said after Notre Dame finished off the Bonnies, 79-35, Sunday. Notre Dame’s defense didn’t allow the Bonnies to get into an offensive groove, according to Crowley.
With three minutes left in the game coach, Crowley pulled his seniors for the last time. Jessica Jenkins, Megan Van Tatenhove, Armelia Horton and Jennie Ashton are leaving a sizable hole in the Bonnies’ rotation, but the foursome carved out some of the most memorable careers in the history of the Brown and White. The winningest class in the history of the program, the first NCAA Tournament berth and victory, the first Atlantic 10 regular-season championship in Bonaventure history, and the first Sweet 16 for Bonaventure since a man named Lanier took the men to the Final Four in 1970. The crowd rose and cheered.
“The fact that we’re here obviously means a ton to us, but also the fact that the number of fans came out and supported us and also that they stayed until the very end,” Crowley said. “While we may not have played as well as we’re capable of, I think that shows what our university is about, and we’re so appreciative of that.”
Their careers ended in a lopsided loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. From the opening tip, the Irish were in control, going on an early 13-2 run to forge ahead of the Bonnies for the rest of the game. The opening possessions for both teams resulted in baskets, but the Irish held the Bonnies scoreless for the following 10 minutes and the Bonnies couldn’t overcome the size, skill and discipline of the Irish. Notre Dame was led by Natalie Novosel’s 16 points and Skylar Diggins’ eight-point, five-assist performance
“They did a lot of different things and they were able to defend us one on one,” Jenkins said. “They’re really physical with you.”
Notre Dame goes on to play Maryland, which earlier Sunday knocked off the defending national champion, Texas A&M, 81-74. Notre Dame lost to Texas A&M in last year’s national championship game.
Jenkins was emotional after leaving the court for the final time in brown and white.
“I’m sure looking back I’ll be happy about it,” Jenkins said. “But for now, it’s just tough.”
Sophomore guard CeCe Dixon led the Bonnies with 13 points and sophomore forward Doris Ortega was the only other Bonnies to reach double-figure scoring with her 11 points. Dixon, Ortega and Ashton grabbed three rebounds apiece. Horton managed four points and brought down six rebounds, tied for the team lead with Van Tatenhove. Van Tatenhove and Horton both earned an assist each. Bonaventure only managed one bench point on a Jennie Ashton free throw. Jenkins was held scoreless in her final game, shooting 0-6 from the field and 0-4 from three-point land. Notre Dame had pressure defense, mostly from Brittany Mallory, in the face of Jenkins all game and most of her possessions were contested within seconds of touching the ball.
“We’ve never, at least this season or last season, not been able to get off shots,” Ortega said. “I think Jess hit on it, they’re a really good team.”
The Bonnies finish the year 31-4 overall. They never lost consecutive games and represent the best finish any team in Bonaventure women’s basketball history, earning the program’s first NCAA Tournament bid.
“This game showed how far our program had come,” Jenkins said. “And it showed how much fun we’ve had this year.”
gannonam10@bonaventure.edu
