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Franklin Pierce Advances in East Regional (3/13/2009) Junior Johanna Leedham scored 21 points to lead top-seeded Franklin Pierce University to an 80-62 win over Philadelphia University in the first round of the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Tournament East Regional. Franklin Pierce (25-5) advances to face fifth-seeded American International College (21-12) at 6 pm on Saturday. Eighth-seeded Philadelphia (21-10) was led by junior Jessica Romano’s 17 points. Trailing 13-11, Franklin Pierce used a 30-9 run over the final 12 minutes of the first half to take control of the contest. At intermission, the Ravens held a 41-22 advantage. Philadelphia would not get closer than 12 points the rest of the way. "I thought we came out a little tight, but we regrouped after the nine-minute mark and went on a nice run to kind of put them away early," Franklin Pierce Head Coach Mark Swasey said. Leedham achieved her 2,000th career point during the game, becoming the second player in Franklin Pierce history to reach that mark. Sophomore Cynthia Gaudet scored 14 points, and senior Vanessa Power added 10 for Franklin Pierce, which forced 21 turnovers in the contest, converting them into 27 points. The Ravens shot 42 percent from the field and 75 percent from the free throw line in the game. Junior Taylor Magnus added 14 points, and junior Kate Brennan had 13 for the Lady Rams, who shot 37.7 percent from the field and 78.3 percent from the line. Franklin Pierce is looking to advance to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive season. |
