For Immediate Release

eureka, illinois

Catch 22: Fisher's 22 rebounds break 22-year school record

December 5, 2007

EUREKA, Ill. — Eureka College's Nicole Fisher (Canton, Ill./HS) wears uniform number 21. Fittingly and not surprisingly, she outdid her self once again Wednesday night as No. 21 pulled down 22 rebounds, breaking a 22-year-old school record for boards in a single game. The previous record of 20 set by EC Hall of Famer Sherry Bryan during the 1985-86 season, was eclipsed with just over one minute to play in Eureka's 65-60 loss to Blackburn College.

Fisher also pitched in a game-high 26 points, including 21 after halftime as Eureka (0-5, 0-1 SLIAC) tried to rally from an 11 point deficit. But each time EC began to zero in, Blackburn (1-2, 1-0 SLIAC) was able to knock down a three-pointer as the Beavers escaped with a win in both teams' St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener.

Neither team could break away to a decent lead in the first half. Blackburn's 24-19 margin was the largest for either side, but even that did not last long as Eureka tied the game at 26 before Blackburn scored in the final minute for a 28-26 halftime advantage.

Krystina C'nota, who attempted all 16 of her shots from three-point range, capped an 11-4 run with a trey, which gave Blackburn a 42-35 lead at the 14:15 mark. The Red Devils continued to fight until the bitter end, but each EC rally was met by a key Blackburn basket. Eureka would not see the lead again.

Blackburn took its largest lead at 63-52 with just under three minutes to play as C'nota hit her seventh and final triple of the game. Eureka gave up just two free throws the rest of the way, ending the game on an 8-2 run. The Red Devils got as close as four with 14 seconds to go.

Eureka led in rebounds 48-38, field goal percentage 37.3 percent to 32.8 percent and free throw shooting 15-for-21 (71.4 percent) to 13-for-20 (65.0 percent). However, Blackburn outscored EC by 27 points from three-point range.

Fisher's double-double was her third consecutive. She has now scored at least 26 points in each of her last three games versus Blackburn. Her previous career-high in rebounds was 17 set Feb. 9, 2007 versus Webster.

Brittany Gardner (Mooresville, Ind./HS) was next for EC with eight points. Shelby Naab (Beecher City, Ill./HS) added seven. Brandi Payne (Eureka, Ill./HS) and Lisa Ghighi (Oglesby, Ill./LaSalle-Peru) each had six points and at least six caroms. Kim Downs (Kewanee, Ill./HS) swatted five blocked shots.

Sierra Shipley recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds for Blackburn. She also chipped in a trio of steals and blocks.

Eureka will continue SLIAC play Saturday, Dec. 8 as Principia College visits EC for a 3:00 pm tip-off. The men's game is slated for 5:00 pm.

###

For More Information Contact:

Brian Sullivan
Sports Information Director
Eureka College
300 E. College Avenue
Eureka, Illinois 61530
309-467-6456
bsullivan@eureka.edu