We started out the weekend with a great win over Siena, 59-43. With this win, we advanced to the Semifinal game to play Fairfield for a chance to play in the Championship game. We knew it was going to be a battle all 40 minutes...and we got what we expected.
From the very beginning of the game, until the last few seconds, both teams fought and played their hearts out. We thought we could push Fairfield to their breaking point, since they only play 6 players and their starters had just come off playing 39 minutes the night before. But this was the MAAC Tournament and for a chance to play in the Championship game...no one was giving up and everyone was leaving it all out on the court.
Unfortunately, Fairfield got the better of us and we lost 61-57. They played a great game and did the things they were supposed to in order to get the job done. As heartbreaking as the loss was to swallow, we will still live to play another game (or two, or three, or more) in the WNIT. Thazina was also named to the All-MAAC Tournament team...we are very happy for her and all of her accomplishments throughout her career.
We'll keep practicing and improving on the things we need to get better at...and we will be ready for anyone that comes our way.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
MAAC Awards Ceremony
We are so proud of the girls for all of their hard work and having it pay off with the awards they were up for winning. Z was a candidate for Player of the Year, being on the All-MAAC First team. Diana made the All-MAAC Rookie Team, making her eligible to win the Rookie of the Year award. Suzi was nominated for the MAAC Defensive Player of the Year, while Marissa was nominated for MAAC 6th Man of the Year. Al thought none of the girls won the honors, their hard work throughout the season was recognized this past Thursday night. See the video to hear their thoughts...
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Senior Day Post Game Interview
See what Coach Bozzella, Z and Anna had to say after the game...how they felt about Senior Day, looking back on their accomplishments and looking ahead to the MAAC tournament. It may have been a day to celebrate the seniors and everything they have done for the program...but you better believe they aren't finished yet, we've got more games to go!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Senior Day Reception
After our game against Rider, the team, coaches, athletic staff, as well as family and friends all gathered together in Spellman Hall for a Senior Day reception. Good food, great company and some interesting speeches from Anna and Thazina had everyone in good spirits. Check out the video dedicated to Anna and Z for all of their hard work and dedication they have put into the program thus far...it's the least they deserve!! Thanks for everything, Seniors!!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Senior Day Slideshow
Our moderator, Dr. Rosenberg, is at it again. He put together this amzing slideshow for our seniors, Z and Anna, for the Senior Day post-game reception after yesterday's game. Try not to cry...
Senior Day
"The Iona College women's basketball team celebrated Senior Day on Sunday, February 28, 2010, in the Hynes Athletics Center. The Gaels honored seniors Thazina Cook and Anna McLean. The Senior Day celebration occurred in conjunction with the Gaels' final home game of the year, a 79-43 victory over Rider. The festivities included a pre-game ceremony and a post-game reception.
Cook, a 5-foot-9 guard from Newark, N.J., has had an extraordinary career at Iona. She has played in 122 career games, compiling 1,242 points, 632 rebounds, 100 assists, and 189 steals. A stellar defender and a gifted scorer, Cook has contributed in a multitude of ways for Iona. Her remarkable talent, leadership, and versatility make the two-year captain an exceptionally valuable player for the Gaels.
'Thazina Cook is a tremendous leader and competitor,' head coach Anthony Bozzella said. 'We've had a lot of great players enter our program, and no one is greater than Thazina. She will be missed as much as anyone I've ever coached.'
One of the top players in the MAAC, Cook earned a place on last year's All-MAAC First Team and this year's Preseason All-MAAC First Team. She was also selected to the 2008-2009 All-Met Division I women's basketball second team, indicating that she is one of the top players in the metropolitan area. Cook ranks among Iona's career leaders in scoring (12th), rebounds (ninth), steals (sixth), and games played (third).
McLean, a 6-foot-2 center from Freeport, N.Y., has had an outstanding career at Iona. She has played in 125 career games, amassing 1,028 points, 866 rebounds, and a program-record 180 blocks. A formidable post presence and a defensive stopper, McLean has had a huge impact on Iona's success. Her magnificent combination of talent, devotion, and drive make her an enormously valuable player for the Gaels.
'Anna McLean has meant so much to the Iona women's basketball team's success in the five years she has been a member of our team,' Bozzella said. 'Her competitiveness, teamwork, and drive are unsurpassed by any player I've ever coached.'
McLean has distinguished herself as one of the premier players in the MAAC, earning a place on the 2007-2008 All-MAAC Second Team and this year's Preseason All-MAAC Second Team. McLean holds Iona's career records for blocks and games played, and she also ranks among the program's career leaders in scoring (19th) and rebounds (third). McLean is one of only three players in program history with over 1,000 points and 850 rebounds.
This senior class's stay at Iona coincides with the winningest four-year period in program history (since the Gaels joined Division I in the 1981-1982 season). The Gaels have amassed 76 victories over the past four years, an average of 19 wins a year. Furthermore, Cook and McLean join Naeemah Ricketts as the only players in the program's Division I history whose team has had a winning record all four years of their careers.
During the pre-game ceremony, the Gaels presented Cook and McLean with a framed replica of their jerseys, a bouquet of flowers, and balloons. Bozzella also recognized the team's two senior managers, Micala Howard and Saroya Marsh, both of whom have been an immense help to the team.
Prior to the start of the game, McLean sang the national anthem.
The last career home game for the seniors proved to be a good one for the Maroon & Gold. The Gaels came out firing on all cylinders, jumping out to an 11-2 lead and never looking back en route to their 36-point win. Iona's tenacious defense forced 32 turnovers and limited Rider to 33 percent shooting.
McLean posted a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Cook recorded 17 points, five steals, and two blocks. Junior point guard Suzi Fregosi dished out a game-high five assists.
After the game, approximately 100 people gathered in Spellman Hall for a reception in honor of Senior Day. This event featured a delicious meal and a touching slide show tribute to the seniors, prepared and presented by Provost Dr. Warren Rosenberg, the team's moderator.
Senior Day was truly a special day for the Iona College women's basketball program." -Michael Sacks
Cook, a 5-foot-9 guard from Newark, N.J., has had an extraordinary career at Iona. She has played in 122 career games, compiling 1,242 points, 632 rebounds, 100 assists, and 189 steals. A stellar defender and a gifted scorer, Cook has contributed in a multitude of ways for Iona. Her remarkable talent, leadership, and versatility make the two-year captain an exceptionally valuable player for the Gaels.
'Thazina Cook is a tremendous leader and competitor,' head coach Anthony Bozzella said. 'We've had a lot of great players enter our program, and no one is greater than Thazina. She will be missed as much as anyone I've ever coached.'
One of the top players in the MAAC, Cook earned a place on last year's All-MAAC First Team and this year's Preseason All-MAAC First Team. She was also selected to the 2008-2009 All-Met Division I women's basketball second team, indicating that she is one of the top players in the metropolitan area. Cook ranks among Iona's career leaders in scoring (12th), rebounds (ninth), steals (sixth), and games played (third).
McLean, a 6-foot-2 center from Freeport, N.Y., has had an outstanding career at Iona. She has played in 125 career games, amassing 1,028 points, 866 rebounds, and a program-record 180 blocks. A formidable post presence and a defensive stopper, McLean has had a huge impact on Iona's success. Her magnificent combination of talent, devotion, and drive make her an enormously valuable player for the Gaels.
'Anna McLean has meant so much to the Iona women's basketball team's success in the five years she has been a member of our team,' Bozzella said. 'Her competitiveness, teamwork, and drive are unsurpassed by any player I've ever coached.'
McLean has distinguished herself as one of the premier players in the MAAC, earning a place on the 2007-2008 All-MAAC Second Team and this year's Preseason All-MAAC Second Team. McLean holds Iona's career records for blocks and games played, and she also ranks among the program's career leaders in scoring (19th) and rebounds (third). McLean is one of only three players in program history with over 1,000 points and 850 rebounds.
This senior class's stay at Iona coincides with the winningest four-year period in program history (since the Gaels joined Division I in the 1981-1982 season). The Gaels have amassed 76 victories over the past four years, an average of 19 wins a year. Furthermore, Cook and McLean join Naeemah Ricketts as the only players in the program's Division I history whose team has had a winning record all four years of their careers.
During the pre-game ceremony, the Gaels presented Cook and McLean with a framed replica of their jerseys, a bouquet of flowers, and balloons. Bozzella also recognized the team's two senior managers, Micala Howard and Saroya Marsh, both of whom have been an immense help to the team.
Prior to the start of the game, McLean sang the national anthem.
The last career home game for the seniors proved to be a good one for the Maroon & Gold. The Gaels came out firing on all cylinders, jumping out to an 11-2 lead and never looking back en route to their 36-point win. Iona's tenacious defense forced 32 turnovers and limited Rider to 33 percent shooting.
McLean posted a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Cook recorded 17 points, five steals, and two blocks. Junior point guard Suzi Fregosi dished out a game-high five assists.
After the game, approximately 100 people gathered in Spellman Hall for a reception in honor of Senior Day. This event featured a delicious meal and a touching slide show tribute to the seniors, prepared and presented by Provost Dr. Warren Rosenberg, the team's moderator.
Senior Day was truly a special day for the Iona College women's basketball program." -Michael Sacks
Saturday, February 27, 2010
McLean Reaches 1,000 Career Point Milestone
"Anna McLean reached the milestone of 1,000 career points during Iona's 82-80 overtime loss to Marist on Friday, February 26 in the Hynes Athletics Center. McLean, a 6-foot-2 senior center from Freeport, N.Y., becomes the 20th player in program history to reach the 1,000 point mark.
This feat marks the latest of many achievements in McLean's decorated career in Maroon & Gold. McLean's exceptional talent, work ethic, and dedication make her an enormously valuable player for the Gaels.
'Anna McLean has meant so much to the Iona women's basketball team's success in the five years she has been a member of our team,' head coach Anthony Bozzella said. 'Her competitiveness, teamwork, and drive have enabled her to be a great player and role model for her teammates. Anna is one of the nicest and most respectful young ladies I have had the honor of coaching in my 18 years as a college Head Coach.'
McLean has distinguished herself as one of the top players in the MAAC, earning a place on the 2007-2008 All-MAAC Second Team and the 2009-2010 Preseason All-MAAC Second Team.
McLean becomes the fifth Iona player coached by Bozzella to score 1,000 points, joining Michelle Fahy, Tiara Headen, Lauren DeFalco, and fellow senior Thazina Cook. Following her 14-point outing against Marist, McLean has now scored 1,009 points as a Gael.
In addition to her prolific scoring, McLean ranks third in program history with 856 career rebounds and holds the program record with 180 career blocks.
Since entering Iona as a talented rookie out of Freeport High School four years ago, McLean has developed into one of the premier players in the MAAC. Over the first two years of her career, McLean established herself as a formidable post presence and defensive stopper, leading the team in blocks both years.
McLean had a breakout year as a junior in 2007-2008, when she averaged a double-double (10.7 points and 10.1 rebounds per game). She played a pivotal role in helping the Gaels reach the WNIT for the second year in a row. She earned All-MAAC second team honors and won Iona's Best Defensive Player Award at the team's year-end banquet in April 2008.
McLean is putting together another stellar campaign as a senior this year, averaging 11.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. With a few games still to be played, McLean now looks to put the finishing touches on her outstanding career.
'Anna has truly been one of the greatest players to don an Iona College basketball uniform,' Bozzella said." -Michael Sacks
This feat marks the latest of many achievements in McLean's decorated career in Maroon & Gold. McLean's exceptional talent, work ethic, and dedication make her an enormously valuable player for the Gaels.
'Anna McLean has meant so much to the Iona women's basketball team's success in the five years she has been a member of our team,' head coach Anthony Bozzella said. 'Her competitiveness, teamwork, and drive have enabled her to be a great player and role model for her teammates. Anna is one of the nicest and most respectful young ladies I have had the honor of coaching in my 18 years as a college Head Coach.'
McLean has distinguished herself as one of the top players in the MAAC, earning a place on the 2007-2008 All-MAAC Second Team and the 2009-2010 Preseason All-MAAC Second Team.
McLean becomes the fifth Iona player coached by Bozzella to score 1,000 points, joining Michelle Fahy, Tiara Headen, Lauren DeFalco, and fellow senior Thazina Cook. Following her 14-point outing against Marist, McLean has now scored 1,009 points as a Gael.
In addition to her prolific scoring, McLean ranks third in program history with 856 career rebounds and holds the program record with 180 career blocks.
Since entering Iona as a talented rookie out of Freeport High School four years ago, McLean has developed into one of the premier players in the MAAC. Over the first two years of her career, McLean established herself as a formidable post presence and defensive stopper, leading the team in blocks both years.
McLean had a breakout year as a junior in 2007-2008, when she averaged a double-double (10.7 points and 10.1 rebounds per game). She played a pivotal role in helping the Gaels reach the WNIT for the second year in a row. She earned All-MAAC second team honors and won Iona's Best Defensive Player Award at the team's year-end banquet in April 2008.
McLean is putting together another stellar campaign as a senior this year, averaging 11.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. With a few games still to be played, McLean now looks to put the finishing touches on her outstanding career.
'Anna has truly been one of the greatest players to don an Iona College basketball uniform,' Bozzella said." -Michael Sacks
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