Women's Basketball
NDNU Women’s Basketball Inks Seven for 2010
August 2 – Following the most successful season in school history, Head Coach Mike Rudder and the NDNU women’s basketball program have added seven signees for the upcoming season.
The Argos’ class is very diverse, covering all five positions and consists of six transfers and one high school senior. Lindsey Foster is the lone incoming true freshman while Jennica Janssen, Miranda Melliza, Emily Vore, Janie Hironaka, Hilary Perry-Smith and Monique Tills will arrive at NDNU with previous college experience.
Foster, a 5-10 shooting guard from Gilroy HS finished her senior year as the team’s second leading scorer. She helped lead Gilroy to an 18-7 record after averaging 9.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.8 assists per game.
Janssen comes to NDNU after spending four years as a practice player at UCLA. She graduated from nearby Carlmont HS in 2005 and earned All-League honors four times. Janssen also received All-City honors as a junior and was named Honorable Mention All-State.
Melliza, a 6-0 power forward from Elk Grove, CA will join the Argos after spending two seasons at Cosumnes River College. She averaged 7.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.0 blocks as a sophomore while also serving as the team captain.
Vore, a 6-0 power forward from Redlands, CA will enter her junior season after transferring to NDNU from CSU San Bernardino. At CSUSB, Vore appeared in 55 games, made 17 starts and averaged 3.9 points and 3.3 rebounds. She was a four-year starter at Redlands HS where she was earned All-League honors four times and was named Team MVP all four years. As a senior, Vore averaged 19.3 points and 11.0 rebounds.
Hironaka, a 5-4 combo guard from Sacramento City College will give the Argos depth at the guard spots. She averaged 8.6 points per game last season and finished second on the team with 36 3-pointers.
Perry-Smith will come in as a redshirt freshman after spending last season at Sacramento State. Prior to Sac State, Perry-Smith played for four seasons at Granite Bay HS. As a senior she averaged 8.8 points per game while leading the team with 47 3-pointers made.
Tillis, a 5-10 shooting guard from Westchester HS in Los Angeles rounds out the Argonauts’ class. She earned All-League honors at Westchester and will be a redshirt freshman after spending last year at San Diego State.
“We are very excited about the class we have coming in.” Head Coach Mike Rudder said. “We feel that this is the best class we have ever brought in and combining these seven with the players we have returning gives us a lot of confidence heading into the season.
The Argos open up the season on November 12th when they host Menlo College at 6:00 pm.
Zasly Twins Both Earn First Team All-PacWest Accolades
March 18 – Notre Dame de Namur junior guards Laura and Katie Zasly both garnered First Team All-Pacific West Conference accolades for their performances this season. Laura also received the conference’s Newcomer of the Year Award.
The Zasly’s (Foster City, CA / Aragon HS) made their mark in their first season at NDNU, leading the team to their best record ever at 16-11. The Argos finished the season fourth in the PacWest with a 12-4 record and won nine of their last ten games.
Laura finished the 2009-10 campaign with a team leading 15.1 points-per-game average while also leading the team in rebounds with 7.1 and steals with 79. She was named PacWest Newcomer of the Year after finishing second in the conference in scoring, second in steals, third in rebounding, seventh is three-pointers made per game (1.4) and 12th in assist average with 2.7. Laura also made 39 of 109 three-point attempts (35.8%) to finish ninth in the PacWest.
Additionally, Laura set the school record for steals in a season with 79, topping the previous mark of 66. She scored in double figures a team high 23 times and recorded at least one steal in 24 games. Laura also recorded a team high five double-doubles and scored a career high 31 points against Academy of Art on February 22nd. She received PacWest Player of the Week honors once and was named to the Weekly Honor Roll ten times.
Katie joined Laura on the All-PacWest First Team by averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.7 steals per game. She led the Argos in assists for the season, ranked second in points and steals and third in rebounds. In the conference, Katie finished fifth in thefts, ninth in assists, ninth in rebounding and seventh in scoring.
Katie was named PacWest Player of the Week twice and earned Honor Roll recognition seven other times. She scored in double figures 21 times for the season, including a streak of 16 straight games to end the season.
Grand Canyon’s Samantha Murphy was named PacWest Player of the Year after narrowly beating out Laura Zasly. Murphy received five first place votes and totaled 71 points while Zasly finished with two first place votes and 67 total points.
Hawaii Pacific’s Jeff Harada was named Coach of the Year with NDNU’s Mike Rudder finishing second with two first place votes. In just his second season at the helm of the program, Rudder led the Argos to the best record in school history with a .593 winning percentage. All-PacWest Release
Argos Close Season on Six Game Winning Streak
March 6 – The Notre Dame de Namur women’s basketball team capped off the most successful season in school history with a 62-58 victory over BYU Hawaii. The Argos finished the year at 12-4 in PacWest play and 16-11 overall while Pilar Mullins led the way with 12 points and a school record 23 rebounds.
BYU Hawaii started off strong, taking an early 11-5 lead behind seven points from Felisita Ika. However, the Argos responded with a 17-3 run and would never trail again. NDNU shot 37% in the first half while the visitors hit just 32% of their attempts as the Argos led 30-21 at the break.
The Seasiders pulled closer in the second half, nearly tying the game before a 5-0 Argonaut run pushed the lead back to seven. In the closing minutes, Richelle Fenenbock nailed a couple of three to pull BYUH within three but the Argos hit their free throws down the stretch the ice the game.
For the game, the Argos held a 50-36 rebounding margin, including a 22-11 advantage on the offensive glass.
Mullins hit 5 of 7 from the field to collect 12 points while setting a NDNU record with 23 rebounds. She snared 11 offensive rebounds and picked up a pair of blocks. Katie Zasly scored a game high 16 points and Natellie Saia reached double figured with 13. Laura Zasly finished with eight points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals.
Laura Zasly finished the season with 78 steals to set a new school single season record while her sister Katie moved into second all-time with 72. BOX SCORE
Argos Dispatch Silverswords
March 4 – The Notre Dame de Namur women’s basketball team earned their fifth straight win with a convincing 72-40 victory over Chaminade. The Argos improved to 11-4 in PacWest play with just one game remaining.
The Argos came out gunning, scoring the game’s first 11 points and never looking back. After the Silverswords hit back-to-back buckets, NDNU went on a 16-0 run to take a 27-4 advantage. The lead grew to as many as 35 with the Argos closing the half on a 16-2 run.
In the half, NDNU shot 62% from the field while the Silverswords hit just 4 of 20 field goals.
The Silverswords hung tough in the second half but could not get the lead under 30 points as the Argos rebounding advantage grew. NDNU grabbed 59 rebounds while the visitors managed just 24. In addition, the Argos grabbed a season high 27 offensive rebounds.
Laura Zasly scored a game high 12 points and recorded a double-double with ten rebounds. Katie Zasly also reached double figures with 11 points and tacked on five rebounds and five assists. Bry Tatupu-Leopoldo and Nicole Burr each set career highs with eight and seven points respectively.
The Argos close out the season on Saturday afternoon when they take on BYU Hawaii at 12:00 pm. Saturday will also be Senior Day as the Argos will honor their four seniors; Kim Hom, Melissa Llanes, Bry Tatupu-Leopoldo and Jen Dreessen. The ceremony will take place after the game. BOX SCORE
PacWest Magazine to Air on ComCast SportsNet San Francisco
PacWest Magazine TV show will be airing in the Bay Area this week (2/25) and next week (3/4) with both episodes set to appear on ComCast SportsNet San Francisco.
NDNU women's basketball players, Laura and Katie Zasly will be featured on Episode #2.
Below is the current schedule for the two airings:
Episode #1
2/25 @ 2pm (Orignal airing)
Re-runs overnight at:
2/26 @ 2a
3/2 @ 3a
3/3 @ 2a
Episode #2
3/4 @ 2pm (Orignal airing)
Re-runs overnight at:
3/4 @ 3a
3/5 @ 1:30a
3/8 @ 3a
Argos Complete Season Sweet of AAU
February 22 – Laura Zasly poured in a career high 31 points as the Notre Dame de Namur women’s basketball team defeated Academy of Art 81-69. The Argos improved to 10-4 in PacWest play and extended their winning streak to four games.
The Argos started off scorching from the field, taking an early 10 point lead before stretching it to 29-13 at the 9:20 mark. Zasly scored 19 of the first 29 NDNU points, connecting on 8 of 10 from the field. The Urban Knights would not back down as they went on an eight point run and close within five in the final minutes of the half. The Argos went into the break with a 39-32 lead and shot a blistering 64% from the field.
AAU stayed close at the start of the half, but a quick 11-2 Argonaut run pushed the margin to 15. NDNU used free throw shooting to keep the lead, hitting all 16 of their second half attempts to lead by as many as 17.
For the game the Argos shot 51% from the field and forced 19 turnover, 14 of which came in the second half. The Urban Knights meanwhile shot 49% from the field.
Zasly hit 10 of 15 shots to record her career high 31 points and added seven rebounds and five steals. Katie Zasly added 18 points, 7 assists and six steals while Kim Hom reached double figures with ten. Pilar Mullins grabbed a game high ten rebounds and Natellie Saia tacked on nine points and eight assists.
Four Urban Knights reached double figures with Jasmine English’s 14 points leading the way.
The Argos are back in action Thursday, March 4 when they take on Chaminade at Walter Gleason Gym. BOX SCORE
Laura Zasly Named PacWest Player of the Week
February 8 – Notre Dame de Namur junior guard Laura Zasly has been named Pacific West Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week for her play during the Argonauts’ four game Hawaii road trip.
The award was announced by the PacWest Media Office in Phoenix, AZ, on Monday, February 8, for games contested Feb 1-7.
Zasly led the Argos to a 3-1 record on the road trip by averaging 18.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.3 steals - all while shooting 50.0% (28 for 56) from the floor. She also connected on 8 of 17 threes.
For the week, Zasly ranked sixth in scoring and 3-pointers made, eighth in assists and steals and 12th in rebounding and shooting. She ranks in the top-10 in the conference for the season in points (3rd), rebounding (4th), assists (10th), steals (2nd), 3-point percentage (6th), 3-pointers made (7th) and minutes (2nd).
In addition to Laura, her sister Katie made the Weekly Honor Roll for her performance in Hawaii. Katie averaged 15.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.5 steals. PRESS RELEASE
Argos Defeat Hawaii Hilo with Big Second Half
February 7 – The Notre Dame de Namur women’s basketball rebounded from a tough loss by taking down Hawaii Hilo 60-51. The Argos evened their overall record at 11-11 while improving to 7-4 in PacWest play.
Both teams struggled from the field in the first half as NDNU shot 35% while the Vulcans hit just 27% of their shots. UHH used a 10-1 run midway through the half to take a seven point lead but an 8-2 Argonaut run to close out the half sent the game into the break tied at 23-23.
The second half was a different story as the Argos came running out of the gates with a 12-2 opening run. Laura and Katie Zasly combined to score all 12 points with Laura pouring in eight of the 12. NDNU kept the lead in double digits for nearly the rest of the game, building their advantage to as many as 15.
The Argos shot 47% in the second half but ran away with the game thanks in large part to 11 offensive rebounds leading to 12 second chance points.
Laura Zasly scored a game high 18 points and added eight rebounds and six assists while Pilar Mullins tacked on 13 points and a career high 19 rebounds. Mullins’s 19 rebounds were the most by an Argonaut since Britni Rathke grabbed 20 in 2008. Katie Zasly also reached double figures with 13 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.
The Argos return to the mainland and will take on Academy of Art on Saturday evening at Kezar Pavilion. BOX SCORE
Argos Down Chaminade, Win Third Straight
February 3 – Katie and Laura Zasly combined for 39 points, 19 rebounds and 10 steals as the Notre Dame de Namur women’s basketball team toppled Chaminade 68-54. The Argos picked up their third straight victory and improved to 6-3 in PacWest play.
The Argos started off strong, taking a 5-4 lead in the opening minutes and leading for the rest of the first half. NDNU led by as many as nine in the half before a late Silverswords run cut the deficit to four at the break. Chaminade shot 48% in the half but the Argos maintained the lead by forcing the home team into 19 turnovers.
Chaminade came out quick in the second half, scoring the first five points and taking a 34-33 lead. The game stayed tight until the 10 minute mark of the second half when the Argos blew the game wide open. NDNU used a 15-0 run to push their advantage to 17 points and never looked back. Over that stretch, the Zaslys combined for 11 points while the Argos forced CU into 13 straight missed shots.
Katie finished with a game high 21 points and added nine rebounds and five steals while Laura recorded a double-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds and five steals. They also added three assists apiece and each hit three 3-pointers. Natallie Saia also reached double figures with 11 points.
The Argos continue their Hawaii road trip when they take on first place Hawaii Pacific on Friday night. BOX SCORE
Argos Topple Seasiders, Improve to 5-3 in PacWest
February 1 – The Notre Dame de Namur women’s basketball team improved to 5-3 in conference play with a 65-57 victory over BYU Hawaii. The Argos overcame a slow start to pull away in the second half and start their four game Hawaii road trip off with a win.
The first half was back and forth the entire way with seven lead changes and three ties. The Argos started to pull away at the end but a quick 5-0 run by BYU Hawaii pulled them even at 32-32. The Seasiders outshot NDNU 44% to 39% in the first half but Argos tallied ten second chance points.
NDNU came out strong in the second half, coming out with a 13-4 run to take a nine point advantage. The lead swelled to as many as 19 before the Seasiders made a run in the final two minutes. The Argos connected on 41% of their shots in the second half and forced BYU Hawaii into 13 turnovers.
Laura Zasly led all players with a game high 24 points and added seven rebounds and four assists. Katie Zasly tacked on 11 points and eight rebounds while Pilar Mullins recorded her first career double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds.
The Argos are back in action Wednesday night when they take on Chaminade. BOX SCORE
Five Argos Reach Double Figures in Rout of Dominican
January 29 – The Notre Dame de Namur women’s basketball returned home with an impressive 96-68 victory over Dominican. The Argos improved to 4-3 in PacWest play with the win while setting a single game record with 96 points.
The game started off close as the two teams swapped leads three times in the opening six minutes. However, the Argos busted loose at the minute mark with a 25-4 run and cruised into halftime with a 51-30 advantage.
NDNU shot lights out in the first half, connecting on 66% of their shots in the first half. The Argos made 21 of 32 from the field and 4 of 5 from 3-point range. Senior Kim Hom made all six of her shots, including four 3-pointers to lead all players with 16 first half points.
The second half was much of the same as the Argos scored at will and never let the Penguins get closer than 19.
Five Argonauts reached double figures with three setting career highs. Hom finished the game a perfect 8 for 8 from the field and made all five of her threes to score a career high 21 points. Pilar Mullins made 7 of 8 from the field on her way to a career high 17 points and seven rebounds while Nia House poured in 12 off the bench.
Katie and Laura Zasly also both reached double figures with a combined 30 points, 20 rebounds, nine assists and six steals. Laura posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds while Katie scored 16 points and added nine boards.
Mac Baskerville and Kelsey Janusch both reached double figures for Dominican with 11 and 10 points respectively.
The Argos are back in action on Monday when the head to Hawaii for a four game road trip. BOX SCORE
Late Three Propels Argos over Grand Canyon
January 26 – Kim Hom’s 3-pointer with 51 seconds left gave Notre Dame de Namur the lead for good as the Argos took down Grand Canyon 63-61. The Antelopes came into the game undefeated in conference play but the Argonaut defense limited GCU to just 37% shooting.
Just like a week prior, the Antelopes jumped out early and took a 13-6 lead. However, the Argonauts responded with nine straight points to take the lead at 15-13. After GCU retook the lead at 17-15, NDNU rattled off a 14-2 run and took a 29-23 lead into the break.
The Argos kept the lead until the 8 minute mark of the second half when Ashley Hardin nailed a three to give GCU the lead at 44-43. From that point on, the game remained tight with five ties and nine lead changes over the final eight minutes.
Grand Canyon took a 59-58 lead on a layup but Stacy Haddow with 1:20 left before Hom’s 3 pointer put NDNU ahead in the final minute. The Antelopes would cut the deficit back to one in the final minutes but their attempt to tie the game in the closing seconds fell short.
The Argos shot 44% from the field and hit 8-14 from beyond the arc to move to 3-2 in conference play.
Katie Zasly led NDNU with 18 points, 8 rebounds and three steals while Natalie Saia and Kim Hom combined for 23 points and on 5-7 shooting from 3-point range.
Samantha Murphy paced the Antelopes with 19 points. BOX SCORE
Katie Zasly Named PacWest Player of the Week
January 25 – Notre Dame de Namur junior guard Katie Zasly has been named Pacific West Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week for the second time this season.
The award was announced by the PacWest Media Office in Phoenix, AZ, on Monday, Jan. 25, for games contested Jan. 18-24.
Zasly led the Argos to a dramatic win on Saturday night when the Argos toppled Grand Canyon 63-61 in Phoenix. She scored a team high 18 points, grabbed eight rebounds and came away with three steals. She shot 7 for 9 from the field and hit 3 of 4 free throws.
Zasly also won the award for the week of December 14th becoming the first Argo to win the award twice in one season. PRESS RELEASE
Grand Canyon Downs Argonauts after Big First Half
January 16 – The Notre Dame de Namur women’s basketball team struggled from the start as they fell to Grand Canyon 83-59. The Antelopes jumped out early, shooting 77% in the first half on their way to a big lead.
The Argos struggled from the get go, making just one of their first ten shots while Grand Canyon hit everything. The Antelopes hit 12 of their first 15, including 6-7 from 3-point range. GCU had runs of 16-2 and 14-0 in the half to build their margin to over 30.
NDNU went into the break trailing 55-21 as the Antelopes hit 20-26 from the field and 9-10 from the charity stripe.
The Argos did their best to get into the game in the second but the GCU lead proved to be too much. NDNU outscored Antelopes 38-28 in the second but they were unable to cut the deficit to under 20 points.
Laura Zasly led the Argos with 15 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and five steals while Katie Zasly and Jen Dreessen tacked on 13 and 10 respectively.
Samantha Murphy scored a game high 25 for the Antelopes, hitting 9-14 from the field and grabbing four steals. Kia Gibson added 16 points off the bench.
These two teams meet again next weekend when the Argos travel to Phoenix to take on Grand Canyon. BOX SCORE
Zaslys Lead Argos Past Red Storm
January 14 – Katie and Laura Zasly combined for 40 points as the Notre Dame de Namur women’s basketball team toppled Dixie State 64-61. The Argos improved to 2-1 in PacWest play with the win and moved to 6-8 overall.
The Argos and Red Storm swapped leads several times in the opening minutes as the game remained tight throughout most of the first half. After NDNU scored to take a 13-11 with 14:39 left, the Argos clung to a small margin for the rest of the half and went into the break up 31-25. The Argos shot 59% in the first while limiting the Red Storm to 36% from the field.
Dixie State came out strong in the second half, retaking the lead with 14 minutes left. However, Laura Zasly quickly answered as she and Katie combined to score NDNU’s next 14 points. The Argos would not trail again, extending their lead to as many as seven.
The Red Storm pulled within one in the closing seconds but Jane Ryabulkhina’s layup with seven seconds left pushed the Argonaut margin back to three. DSC tried to respond but Jessie Ingraham’s 3-pointer as time expired fell short and gave NDNU the victory.
The Argos shot a season high 53% from the field while forcing 21 turnovers and holding a 32-28 rebounding edge.
Katie and Laura Zasly scored 20 points apiece with Katie adding nine rebounds, six assists and six steals. Laura grabbed five rebounds and picked up four steals. Jen Dreessen also reached double figures with ten points.
Johnna Brown paced the Red Storm with 19 points and six steals while Deanna Daniels added 14 points and seven rebounds.
NDNU is back in action Saturday night when Grand Canyon comes to Walter Gleason for a 5:30 pm tip. BOX SCORE
Argos Fall to Hawaii Pacific
January 9 – The Notre Dame de Namur women’s basketball team struggled to make their shots as they fell to Hawaii Pacific 79-57. The Argos connected on just 34% from the field while the Sea Warriors hit at a 50% clip.
The first half was back and forth with NDNU leading most of the way thanks to eight second chance points. However, with the scored tied at 25-25 with 3:50 left, HPU made their move. The visitors closed the half on a 9-2 run and went into the locker room leading by seven.
The Argos missed all eight of their 3-point attempts in the half while HPU was a perfect 13-13 from the line.
The Sea Warriors picked up where they left off in the second, quickly pushing their advantage to double digits. The Argos managed to whittle the margin down to five but HPU responded with an 11-2 run to put the game out of reach.
Hawaii Pacific was red hot in the second half, making 56% of their shots while going 13-14 from the free-throw line. For the game, the Sea Warriors made 26-27 from the charity stripe.
Laura Zasly just missed her career high with 21 points and added six rebounds and four 3-pointers. Katie Zasly added 12 points while Jen Dreessen finished with ten points and nine rebounds.
Paris Graverly poured in a game high 25 points while Jazzmin Awa-Williams and Courtney Buster tacked on 17 and 11 respectively.
The Argos are back in action next Thursday when Dixie State comes to Walter Gleason Gym for a 5:30 pm tip. BOX SCORE
Argos Cruise to Win in PacWest Opener
January 7 – The Notre Dame de Namur women’s basketball team opened up Pacific West play with an impressive 75-58 victory over Hawaii Hilo. The Argos used an excellent defensive performance and 23 offensive rebounds to push past the Vulcans.
After UHH jumped off to a quick start, the Argos responded with ten straight points and never looked back. NDNU would not trail again as they forced 15 first half turnovers and closed the period on an 8-0 run.
The Argos then rattled off seven of the first nine points of the second half to push their margin to 17. The lead would eventually swell up to 30 with a 20-2 run but a late Vulcan rally cut it back down to 17.
Katie Zasly led the way with a career high 20 points and added eight assists and seven rebounds. Laura Zasly and Jen Dreessen added 15 points apiece while combining for 13 rebounds. Laura Zasly also added a career high seven steals.
The Vulcans had four players in double figures with Hina Kimitete leading the way with 14.
NDNU is back in action Saturday when they face Hawaii Pacific at 5:30 pm. BOX SCORE
Golden Bears and Urban Knights Closeout NDNU Classic with Wins
December 19 – The Concodia-St. Paul and Academy of Art women’s basketball teams capped off the second day of the NDNU Classic with victories. The Golden Bears toppled the host Argonauts 71-49 in the night cap while Academy of Art defeated CSU East Bay 76-67 in the early game.
Concordia and NDNU battled back and forth for nearly 30 minutes before the visitors closed the game on a 22-4 run to seal a 2-0 Classic record. The first half was highly contested as the two teams swapped leads three times and tied the game four others. The Argos led by as many as five early before a 9-0 Golden Bear run put the visitors on top for the remainder of the half. The two teams headed to the locker room after a Kim Hom 3-pointer at the buzzer pulled the Argos within two at the break.
In the second, Jen Dreessen opened up the scoring with a three to give NDNU a 33-32 advantage. The teams swapped buckets before Concordia pushed ahead by three points as the Argos held tough. After back-to-back baskets by Dreessen and Laura Zasly pulled NDNU back within three with 10:28 left, the Golden Bears went on a tear to seal the game. Concordia shot 10-14 to close the game, including six straight baskets to finish on a 22-4 run.
Dreessen once again led the Argonauts in scoring with 15 points while Laura Zasly finished with nine points and 14 rebounds.
Zoraa Quoie paced the Golden Bears with a game high 21 points and four steals while Chanica Hall and Gillian Bjerke tacked on ten apiece. Jineen Williams racked up seven points, 14 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks while being named the NDNU Classic MVP. BOX SCORE
The first game featured an up and down contest between Academy of Art and CSU East Bay that saw both teams push the ball all game long. The Urban Knights built a large second half lead before seeing it deteriorate with a 22-6 Pioneer run. After the run, CSU East Bay trailed by just one but was unable to take the lead.
Sondra Stilwell led all players with 27 points while Verity Peets added 20 points and seven rebounds. Claudia Nelson tallied 17 points and six steals in defeat for the Pioneers. BOX SCORE
NDNU CLASSIC ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Jineen Williams (Concordia) – MVP
Maurika Hickman (Concordia)
Jen Dreessen (NDNU)
Verity Peets (Academy of Art)
Claudia Nelson (CSU East Bay)
Argos and Golden Bears Prevail on Day 1 of NDNU Classic
December 18 – The Notre Dame de Namur and Concordia-St. Paul women’s basketball teams both looked sharp in impressive victories on the first day. The Argonauts led from start to finish in a 66-51 win over CSU East Bay while the Golden Bears ran past Academy of Art 97-52.
Concordia opened up the classic with an incredible shooting performance, connecting on 60% of their shots. The Golden Bears used a 27-9 run to open the game and never looked back. In the second half, CU hit 68% from the field and 4-7 from beyond the arc to extend their lead to over 40.
Maurika Hickman led all players with 21 points and added eight rebounds and six assists for Concordia. Gillian Bjerke added 17 while Jineen Williams finished with 10 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Verity Peets led the Urban Knights with 13 points. BOX SCORE
In the second game, the Argos used a big first half run to take a 31-13 lead with 3:33 left. NDNU held the Pioneers without a basket for over 9:00 minutes before taking a 34-20 advantage into the break. CSU East Bay closed the gap to seven in the second half but would not get any closer as the Argos used a late 16-6 run to put the game away.
For the game, NDNU shot 43% from the field and forced the Pioneers into just 29% shooting and 28 turnovers.
Jen Dreessen had a career high 29 points for the Argos and added nine rebounds while hitting 12-14 from the field. Laura Zasly finished with 12 points, five rebounds and five steals with Katie Zasly taking on ten points and nine rebounds. BOX SCORE
The NDNU Classic continues again tomorrow with Academy of Art and CSU East Bay meeting in the early game and Concordia taking on NDNU in the nightcap.
Argo Defense Keys Victory
December 15 – The Notre Dame de Namur women’s basketball team used a combination of excellent defense and a big second half to topple Sonoma State 56-39. The Argos improved to 3-6 on the year and beat a CCAA opponent for the second straight time.
NDNU started hot from the field, scoring the game’s first eight points and taking a 10-1 lead. However, the Seawolves quickly responded with a 12-0 run to take the lead at 13-10. Sonoma led by as many as four but a 5-0 run to close the half gave NDNU a 20-19 lead at the break.
The Argos held the Seawolves to just 25% shooting in the first, including just 2-11 from 3-point range.
NDNU picked up where they left off to start the second, rattling off a 15-3 run and never looking back. The Argos kept the defensive pressure up as they built their lead to as many as 19.
For the game, NDNU shot 36% from the field while holding the home team to just 26% shooting and 15 turnovers.
Post players Jen Dreessen and Jane Ryabulkhina came up big for the Argos, combining to score 26 points and grab 16 rebounds. Laura Zasly just missed a double-double, finishing with 12 points and nine rebounds.
The Argos will look to make it three straight wins against the CCAA when they host CSU East Bay on Friday night. BOX SCORE
Argos Topple CSU Stanislaus
December 12 – The Notre Dame de Namur women’s basketball used a pair of big runs to topple CSU Stanislaus 66-60 in the Humboldt State Tournament. The Argos used a 14-0 first half run to give themselves a cushion before going on a 11-2 second half run to put the game out of reach.
The Warriors led 18-17 with nine minutes remaining in the first when NDNU rattled off 14 straight points to take a 13 point lead. Jen Dreessen scored seven points during the run as the Argos built their lead to as many as 15 before taking a ten point advantage into the break.
The second half saw CSU Stanislaus close the gap in a hurry with an 11-4 opening run. After the Warriors tied the game at 44-44 with 12:23, NDNU quickly took the lead back and used an 11-2 run to push the margin back to 11. CSUS pulled within three in the final minute but would not get any closer as the Argos hit four of their last five free throws to seal the game.
Dreessen led the Argos with 20 points while Katie Zasly recorded a double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds and three steals. Laura Zasly added 13 points and Jane Ryabulkhina tacked on 10. BOX SCORE
Argos Fall Short at Humboldt State
December 11 – The Notre Dame de Namur women’s basketball team could not overcome a tough first half in a 70-61 defeat to Humboldt State. The Argos found themselves down early but made the game interesting with a huge second half run.
The Jacks came out gunning, taking a 24-7 lead in the opening minutes. The Argos struggled from the field in the half, connecting on just 29% of their shots while HSU hit at a 56% clip.
After Humboldt took a 27 point lead into the break they extended the lead to 30 at the beginning of the second. However, the Argos began to chip away, using a 22-2 run over a seven minute stretch to pull within seven with 2:15 remaining. That would be as close as the Argos would come as the Jacks closed out the game by hitting their free throws.
Katie Zasly led the Argos with 16 points while Jen Dreessen and Jane Ryabulkhina combined for 21 points and eight rebounds. BOX SCORE
Argonaut Comeback Falls Short Against SF State
November 17 – The Notre Dame de Namur women’s basketball team put themselves in a deep hole early before nearly pulling off an impressive comeback in a 51-44 loss to San Francisco State. The Argos struggled with their shot all night, connecting on just 13 of 63 attempts.
The Gators controlled the game from the start, scoring the first ten points after back-to-back 3-pointers by Andrea Ohlssen. After another SFSU run put the Gators up 24-12, the Argos scored eight of the next ten points to cut the margin down to six. However, Ohlssen struck again in the final minute with her fifth three of the half to send the Gators into the break with a nine point advantage.
SF State picked up where they left off, scoring the first six points of the second half to extend their lead to 15. NDNU whittled the lead down to eight with just under eight minutes to play. After a layup by Kalia Williams put the Gators up 47-38 with 2:57 left the Argonaut offense finally got going. Natalie Saia drained four straight free throws and C’ani Kealoha hit a 3-pointer to pull the Argos within two with 1:23 left.
The Gators would respond with a key layup by Donisha Tate and a few free throws to seal the game.
NDNU shot just 20% from the field, including 17% in the second half while their counterparts connected at a 38% clip.
Laura Zasly paced the Argos with 16 points and four steals while Kealoha added nine points on three 3-pointers. Katie Zasly and Jane Ryabilkhina each grabbed nine rebounds.
Andrea Ohlssen poured in a game high 19 points, 17 of which came before the break to lead all players.
The Argos are back in action this weekend when they travel to Chico for a pair of games. BOX SCORE
Argos Drop Season Opener to Cal Poly Pomona
November 15 – The Notre Dame de Namur women’s basketball team started their 2009-10 season off on the wrong foot as they dropped the opener to Cal Poly Pomona 61-44. The Argos struggled from the floor and committed 27 turnovers in defeat.
The game started off close with each team playing exceptionally well on the defensive end. With just under seven minutes remaining in the first half, the Broncos led 17-15 with both teams shooting under 30% from the field. However, CPP heated up and closed the half on a 10-0 run to take a 27-15 lead into the break.
The Argos connected on just 6 of 29 shots in the opening half while not attempting a free throw. The visitors picked up where they left off in the second, extending their lead to as many as 20. The NDNU offense picked it up in the second, shooting 44% from the field and connecting on four 3-pointers.
For the game, the Argos outrebounded the Broncos 42-32 but were outshot at the free throw line 30-5. CPP made 18 of their 30 free throws and forced 27 NDNU turnovers.
C’ani Kealoha led the Argos with 14 points and four assists while making four 3-pointers. Laura Zasly also reached double figures with 11 points and added 11 rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Reyana Colson paced the Broncos with a game high 19 points while La’Keyna Simon-West and Megan Ford added 12 apiece.
NDNU is back in action Tuesday night when San Francisco State comes to Walter Gleason Gym for a 7:00 pm tip. BOX SCORE
Argos Add Three More for 2009-10
July 6 – The Notre Dame de Namur women’s basketball program and Head Coach Mike Rudder have announced the signing of three more players for the 2009-10 season. The Argos will welcome Pilar Mullins, Tina Diaz and Kayla Hightower to a class that already includes five signees.
Mullins comes to NDNU after spending a year at NCAA Division III Champion George Fox University. Diaz joins the Argos from West Campus HS in Sacramento while Hightower spent the last two years at Shasta College.
Mullins, a 6’0” sophomore post from Millbrae appeared in 18 games for George Fox last season. Before enrolling at George Fox, Mullins had a very successful prep career at Mills HS. As a senior, she was named PAL-Central Co-MVP after averaging 15 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks per game.
Diaz, a 5’5” guard from West Campus adds some much needed depth at the point guard position after the Argos graduated Sandy Perry and Marianne Bautista last season. As a senior, Diaz averaged 9.6 points, 6.1 assists and 2.6 steals.
Hightower, a 5’9” guard from Shasta College played her prep ball at Durham HS. As a sophomore at Shasta, she averaged 5.1 points per game.
The Argos open the season on November 15th when they take on Cal Poly Pomona.
NDNU Women’s Basketball Signs Five Recruits
May 27 – The Notre Dame de Namur women’s basketball program and Head Coach Mike Rudder have announced the signing of five players for the 2009-10 season.
The Argos class consists of three local products and two others from opposite sides of the country. Laura and Katie Zasly of Skyline College headline the class while Jane Ryabukhina, Ariel Duell and Lara Bruni give NDNU three experienced post players.
The Zasly twins come to NDNU after playing basketball for one season at Skyline College under Coach Trisha Mosley. Laura earned Second Team All-State and First Team All-Conference honors after averaging 17.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.9 steals. Katie also earned First Team All-Conference honors with 15.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 3.5 steals per game. Her 3.5 steals per game ranked in the top-20 for the state.
At Aragon High School in San Mateo, the Zasly twins earned All-PAL South honors three times, including sharing the Co-MVP honors as seniors. Prior to Skyline, the twins played soccer at Marist College in New York where they were both two year starters in the midfield.
Ryabukhina, a 6-2 post from Berdyansk, Ukraine comes to NDNU from San Francisco CC. At CCSF last season, Ryabukhina averaged 4.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. She improved her number in conference with a 5.4 scoring average while grabbing 7.7 rebounds.
Duell, a 6-0 post from Haiku, Hawaii and Bruni, a 6-2 center from Peabody, Massachusetts will both come in as freshman for the Argos next season. Duell earned Second Team All-Maui Interscholastic League honors last season at Seabury Hall College Prep in Makawao while Bruni helped lead Bishop Fenwich HS to a 17-6 record last season. Bruni also led her team to the North Shore League title when she finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks in the championship game.
In addition to the five recruits, NDNU has also announced the addition on Mike Ciardella to the women’s basketball staff. Ciardella, the Athletic Director at Notre Dame HS for the past five seasons will add a lot of experience to the Argonauts staff. He started coaching in 1982 at Oceana HS and went on to lead the Sacred Heart Prep girls basketball team to four consecutive state titles in the early 1990’s.