For Immediate Release

eureka, illinois

Gardner scores 20 in match up of top D-III rebounders

December 12, 2007

MONMOUTH, Ill. — Brittany Gardner (Mooresville, Ind./HS) scored a game high 20 points on an otherwise cold shooting night for Eureka College in a 62-43 defeat at Monmouth College Wednesday night. Eureka shot 31.5 percent (17-54) for the game, while Monmouth was not much better at 33.3 percent (23-69).

The game featured a match up of two of best rebounders in NCAA Division III between Monmouth's Ashley Yeast, who led the country with a 13.7 rebounds per game average last season and Eureka's Nicole Fisher (Canton, Ill./HS), who is averaging 13.7 per game this season. Fisher gained the upper hand 11 to 8 in the personal face off, but Melissa Gorski of Monmouth (6-1) stole game high honors with 13.

The Red Devils (1-6) led most of the first half. Their largest lead was four points on two occasions. Gardner hit a pair of three-pointers and handed out three assists en route to eight first half points.

The Fighting Scots took control of the contest late in the period, closing with a 9-0 run over the final four minutes to take a 31-24 halftime lead.

Eureka stayed within five points (35-30) until near the 15 minute mark of the second half when Monmouth began a 22-5 run to push the score to 57-35. The Red Devils defense made the going tough as the Scots rally took 10 minutes to complete. Unfortunately, EC , playing its first road game in 22 days, could not get enough shots to fall to keep pace.

Gardner has now reached 20 points in three out of her last four outings after having one career 20 point game coming into the season. Brandi Payne (Eureka, Ill./HS) recorded eight points and six rebounds to aid the Red Devils' effort. Fisher registered seven points to go with her 11 boards.

Katie Sheets scored 14 points to lead the Scots, who have now won four in a row. Gorski had 12 points and 13 rebounds on 4-for-18 shooting.

The Red Devils finish their 2007 slate with a 5:30 pm non-conference tip-off at Knox College Friday, Dec. 14. The men's game will follow at 7:30 pm.

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For More Information Contact:

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