In Pastorek’s return, Crimson Hawks claim victory over SRU

For the second consecutive season, the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Crimson Hawks have won 20 consecutive games, following a 74-48 victory over Slippery Rock, Saturday.

It is the third time the team has achieved 20 wins in a season under Head Coach Jeff Dow. 

“It’s a hard-earned 20 wins given the fact of how many injuries we’ve dealt with,” Dow said.  “It’s a testament to our players in how hard they have worked, how focused they are and how prepared they are every single night.”

In the win over The Rock, Lindsay Stamp led all scorers with 18 points. She also had nine rebounds and five assists. 

“Lindsay was very solid,” Dow said. “It’s not just about the points with her. Her all-around game has been solid.”

As it has been all season, a different player steps up seemingly every night to help pace the Crimson Hawks. 

On Saturday, freshman guard Marina Wareham, not known for having breakout games offensively, caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down 3-of-5, helping her score 11 points.

“Marina gave us great energy, especially in the first half,” Dow said. “She is a very pesky defender and does a great job taking care of the ball as well as a very sound fundamental shooter.

“We get on her sometimes for passing up open shots, but she didn’t hesitate, Saturday.”

Both teams struggled from the field in the first half, shooting a combined 6-of-26 in the game’s first 8:17 of play. 

The Crimson Hawks received solid, high-energy play from Wareham, Zhane Brooks and Alexis Aiken in sparking a 9-3 run to get the Hawks rolling offensively as they took a 31-24 lead into halftime.

In the second half, The Rock would get no closer than 17 points as the Crimson Hawks rolled to a 26-point victory. 

A bright note for the Hawks in the 26-point victory was the return of senior forward Sarah Pastorek.

Pastorek played 15 minutes for the Crimson Hawks, her first game action in a month.

“It was important for her to get a game under her belt,” Dow said. “Especially with ‘Senior Night’ on Wednesday and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference playoffs just around the corner.”

Wednesday, the Crimson Hawks welcome the Lock Haven Bald Eagles into the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex for the final game of the regular season for both teams. Last time out, the Crimson Hawks beat the Bald Eagles 88-62, Jan. 30. 

This time out, Coach Dow expects a hard-fought game for both teams. 

“Lock Haven is a dangerous opponent,” Dow said. “They are a team that primarily plays zone. Zhane was a big part of the victory last time. It was her coming out party. We want to have balance inside and out.

“We also want to put up a solid showing because of it being Sarah’s senior night.”

Following the game, Wednesday, the Crimson Hawks will host sixth-seeded Mercyhurst, Saturday in the first round of the PSAC playoffs.