Hawks Defeat BU, Earn Sixth Trip to NCAA Tournament

The Hartford women's basketball team celebrates its fifth America East Championship. Photo by Steve McLaughlin.

The University of Hartford women’s basketball team punched its ticket to the 2011 NCAA women’s basketball field of 64 by winning its fifth America East Championship, 65-53, over host Boston University on Saturday night.

The team will learn its NCAA Tournament destination at a selection party to be held Monday (March 14) at the Hawk's Nest. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the selection show, on ESPN, will begin at 7 p.m.  The event is free and open to the University community and the general public.

With Saturday's win in the America East title game against Boston University, the Hawks have won 11 of their last 12 games. Sophomore guard Alex Hall was named the America East Championship Most Outstanding Player after leading the Hawks with 15 points and holding BU's leading scorer, Chantell Alford, to 3-of-18 shooting.

The Hawks' fifth championship came by way of 53 percent second half shooting (10-of-19) and an impressive defensive performance on the Terriers' top two scorers, who were held to 11 points total and 4-of-27 shooting.

Hall’s 15 points led four starters who finished in double figures, with Jackie Smith adding 14 points, Ruthanne Doherty scoring 11, and Daphne Elliott chipping in with 10. Doherty finished with her sixth double double of the season, finishing the game with 10 rebounds. Doherty and Elliott both joined Hall in earning spots on the All-Tournament Team.

The Hawks will be making their sixth overall trip to the Big Dance, with five conference championships and an at-large selection in 2010. Hartford holds a 2-5 overall record in NCAA Tournament play.