Spartan Women Pick Up Win in Home Opener

AURORA, Ill. December 1, 2007 - The Aurora University Spartan women’s basketball team defeated the visiting Stars of Dominican University 78-76 on Saturday afternoon in AU’s Thornton Gymnasium. The win pushes Aurora’s overall record to 2-4, while their conference record moves to 1-0; Dominican falls to 0-6 overall and 0-2 in the Northern Athletics Conference.

The game was a fast paced one, with both teams attempting to push the ball up the court with every possession. The result was a game full of transition baskets and turnovers.

AU won the turnover plagued battle; only turning the ball over 28 times, compared to Dominican’s 33.

AU was led by freshman guard Lisa McQuade, who finished the game a career high 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field. McQuade’s stellar performance was highlighted by a four-of-four showing from beyond the three-point line. Junior forward Kim Voiles also had a stellar day for the Spartans, as she finished with 16 points and five assists.

AU led 35-31 at the half and the see-saw affair continued throughout the second-half. The Spartans took an eight point lead with two quick baskets to start the second-half, only to see the Stars crawl back and knot the contest at 58 with 8:30 to play.

AU built a five-point lead with 6:40 to play only to see the lead disappear once again and with 1:50 to play in the game, the Spartans and Stars were knotted at 72.

The Spartans got three clutch baskets down the stretch, including a three-pointer by junior guard Meagan Re to hold on to the second win of the season.

Dominican was led by sophomore guard Lisa Julkowski, who had a game-high 22 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Julkowski, much like AU’s McQuade, had an impressive day from beyond the arc, connecting on five-of-seven. Sophomore forward Jessica Salinas had 20 points and junior guard Lindsey Trent added 19 points.

Aurora returns to action on Wednesday, December 5, when they travel to Alverno College. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. in Milwaukee, WI.