Thursday, March 08, 2001
Mercy takes out Munoz, Mason
Bobcats beat defending Division I state champ
By Dave Schutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Mason's Jere' Issenmann cries after the loss.
(Ernest Coleman photos)
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FAIRBORN — Mercy outplayed, outhustled and outscored Mason Wednesday night, beating the defending Division I state champion 47-33 in a regional semifinal at Wright State University's Nutter Center.
The victory sent the Bobcats, the No.3 team in The Enquirer's Division I area coaches poll, into the championship game against undefeated Beavercreek, ranked No.1 in the state, at noon Saturday at the Nutter Center.
Mason, ranked No.1 by area coaches, was bidding for its third consecutive trip to the state semifinals and fourth in the past five years.
When removed from the game with less than 30 seconds remaining, senior Michelle Munoz cried while walking toward the bench, where she received a hug from coach Gerry Lackey.
“It's been a great four years,” said Munoz, who will play next season for the University of Tennessee. Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt was in the stands Wednesday.
Michelle Munuz catches a knee in the face from Mercy's Siobhan Zeerilla.
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“I've had some great coaches and played with some outstanding players,” Munoz said. “Right now it's frustrating, but someday I'll look back and remember all the good times.”
Senior Jere' Issenmann, bound for the University of Illinois, shouldered much of the blame for the loss.
“I'm in shock because I let my teammates down,” said Issenmann, who was 3-of-18 from the field.
Munoz finished with a game-high 22 points, but Mercy senior Melissa Clavier held the Comets center to only eight points during the first three quarters.
“It was my biggest challenge of the season and I accepted it,” said Clavier, who had 10 points and five rebounds.
Angie Heintz pulls down a rebound over Ashley Wentzel.
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Clavier attempted to front Munoz throughout the game while denying her the ball. The strategy worked to perfection until Munoz came out in the fourth quarter, connecting on three 3-pointers.
“I anticipated the pass and tried to beat Munoz to the spot,” said Clavier. “When I was a freshman, Mason beat us. I've been waiting since then to get even.”
Mason made a run to start the fourth quarter. Munoz had eight points and Ashley Wentzel two, cutting Mercy's lead 32-25 with 5:10 remaining.
But the Bobcats scored 11 straight points.
“What was neat is that we answered,” Mercy coach Mary Jo Huismann said. “The kids believed they could win and now we have to convince them they can win Saturday.”
MASON (33) — Minnich 0-1 0-0 0, Shull 0-0 1-2 1, Munoz 8-16 3-4 22, Stein 0 -3 0-0 0, Issenmann 3-18 0-0 8, Hampshire 0-1 0-0 0, Russell 0-1 0-0 0, Wentzel l 1-2 0-2 2. Totals: 12-42 4-8 33.
MERCY (47) — Zerilla 4-7 3-4 11, Heintz 3-5 3-5 10, Clavier 5-8 0-0 10 , Mullen 3-10 1-1 9, Winright 1-11 2-2 5, Brunner 1-3 0-0 2. Totals: 17-44 9-12 47.
Mason ....... 9 2 4 18—33
Mercy ....... 12 10 10 15—47
3-pointers: Mason (5-15) Munoz 3, Issenmann 2. Mercy (4-16) Heintz, Mullen 2, Winright. Rebounds: Mason 24 (Munoz 6, Shull 5, Issenmann 4). Mercy (37) Zerilla 14, Heintz 8, Clavier 5). Assists: Mason (9) Stein 3, Issenmann 3). Mercy (9) Mullen 3, Winright 2. Turnovers: Mason 20, Mercy 20. Records: Mercy 20-4, Mason 18-6.
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Game report
Mercy takes out Munoz, Mason