Gophers Hold Hornets to 36 Pts., Gain 1-0 Start

TOWSON, Md. — Goucher held Shenandoah to 12 or fewer points in each of the four quarters this afternoon to earn a season-opening 61-36 victory over the Hornets in Patrick Daniel's first game as head coach.

The Gophers were trailing 11-9 entering the final two minutes of the opening period, but tied the score on a jumper by Joyce Woolen (Trumbull, Conn./Trumbull), went ahead to stay on a made basket in the paint by India Perkins (Brentwood, Md./Bladensburg) and opened up a four-point lead on another jumper by Woolen. Erin French converted a free throw for Shenandoah with :25 showing on the clock, but the Hornets (0-1) found themselves in a 15-12 hole after the first quarter.

Shenandoah missed its first five shots from the field, as well as its first three free-throw attempts, in the second quarter, which opened the door for Goucher to extend its lead to 23-13 on a layup by Jaida Scarborough (Baltimore, Md./Digital Harbor) midway through the period.

At halftime, the Gophers (1-0) enjoyed a 30-22 edge on the scoreboard.

Goucher scored 12 points off of eight Shenandoah turnovers in the third period, which ended with the Gophers on top, 51-32.

The Hornets were 1-for-12 from the field and managed only four points in the fourth quarter.

"Truly appreciated the effort each player showed in this team win," Daniel said following the final horn. "I loved how we played great team defense that contributed to a very good start to our season. A lot of work and improvement is needed for our next game on Tuesday, but overall I am very happy and proud of this team for what we accomplished today."

Briana Bull (Baltimore, Md./Owings Mills), who either captured or shared scoring honors for Goucher in 11 games last season, led all scorers with 14 points. Perkins achieved the second double-double of her career as the senior guard contributed 12 points and 12 rebounds to the win.

The Gophers will play another Old Dominion Athletic Conference member in their second game of the season. They will host Roanoke in the Decker Sports & Recreation Center at 6 p.m. Tuesday.