Published: February 26, 2008 10:41 am         

Defense delivers JUCO title for ACM

ARNOLD - Allegany College of Maryland has relied on its nationally ranked defense to stifle opponents all season. After a 55-41 win over Garrett Monday evening the Lady Trojans will have to defend something they never have before - a Maryland JUCO Tournament crown.

Allegany not only earned its first-ever JUCO tourney title, but set a record for fewest losses in a season at 27-1, and will be the No. 1 seed in the Region XX Tournament that begins Friday at 5 p.m. The Trojans will face the College of Southern Maryland at Frederick Community College, and need three wins to earn a berth in the NJCAA Division II Tournament.

The ACM defense again lowered its national leading average of 46.6 points a game by allowing only 19 points in the first half, and 22 in the second.

"Garrett ran a very patient offense today, and I thought our girls did a great job of keeping their composure and intensity to get through it," said ACM head coach Jerry Rice.

Allegany started slow on offense, but picked it up in the second half with Jasmine Blanks scoring 16 points and passing out five assists to help her earn the tourney's Most Valuable Player. Kacey Kahl had nine rebounds, scored eight points, had three assists and four steals, and Melissa Ford finished with 14 points and seven rebounds. Kahl and Ford were both awarded All-Tournament status for their play.

Lindsey Holliday had a 10-point, four-steal performance for the Trojans.

The Trojans have won 23 straight games, and haven't lost since Nov. 28. The team has played on three straight days the last couple of weekends.

"It's been quite a stretch for us at the end of the season," said Rice. "It's very impressive what these girls have been able to do and they should be proud of themselves. I'm proud of them, as is the whole campus."

Garrett, who lost for just the third time, was led by Tegra Hillman's 11 points and Mindy Sharp's eight points. Hillman and Tanika Jeffers were the Lakers choices for the All-Tournament team.

"I think that a lot of teams in the Region XX will be gunning for us," said Rice. "But I welcome the target on our backs, and I'm sure the girls do too."