BC WOMEN START FEBRUARY STRONG
February 7, 2011

The Bellevue College Bulldogs women’s basketball team started the second half of league play with a convincing win over the hosting Dolphins of Shoreline on Wednesday, Feb. 2. From the opening tip-off, the Bulldogs controlled the game, but were not firing on all cylinders at the offensive end.  “Our defense really saved us in this one, “said Bellevue head coach Brent Hermanson, “We had a hard time getting the ball in the basket in the first half.” Still, the Bulldogs went into halftime with the lead 41-24.

In the second half, the Bulldogs continued to build their lead, with a final tally showing the Bulldogs on top 82-46.  “It was a great road win for the team, everyone played, and everyone scored,” said Hermanson. The Bulldogs were led by the 18 points of Kelsey Sparks and 15 of Sanda Milovic. Two Bellevue players hit double-doubles: Kelly Sutherland contributed 14 points and pulled in 10 rebounds, while A.C. DenHartog was good for 13 points, 11 rebounds.

On Saturday, the Bulldogs were home to host the Peninsula College Pirates who were in 7th place in the North Division. Right from the start the Bulldogs got it going on the defensive end of the floor, forcing several early turnovers to take the lead.  Bellevue continued to pressure Peninsula throughout the first half, and went into half time with a commanding 43-22 advantage.  “I wasn’t thrilled with our effort at times on the boards and we had 11 turnovers in the first half, but we were solid offensively,” said coach Hermanson.

In the second half, it was all Bulldogs outscoring the Pirates 40-24 to take the win with a final score of 83-46. Once again, everyone on the team saw minutes, and everyone got on the scoreboard.  Despite early turnovers, the Bulldogs only had four in the second half, 15 for the game, while forcing the Pirates into 30 turnovers. It was a strong team effort by Bellevue which was led in scoring once again by Sparks (19), followed by DenHartog. Freshman Briana Shannon was quick and consistent, taking the ball out of Peninsula’s hands with six steals. The win moves the Bulldogs to 9-1 in North Division League play, 16-4 overall.

Following a bye this Wednesday - and well-earned rest - the Bellevue women host the Olympic Rangers (1-9, 4-14) on Saturday, Feb. 12, at 4 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on TV, Comcast Channel 28.