<zouman ‘13 had a game-high 20 points and Ally Weaver ‘11 added 16 points but the Carleton women’s basketball team was unable to completely erase a 16-point second-half deficit in falling, 58-57, to cross-town rival St. Olaf on Senior Day. Arzouman’s bid for the game-winner rimmed out at the buzzer, allowing the Oles to escape with the narrow victory.
“This is a great rivalry and both teams came out ready to play,” said Carleton Head Coach Cassie Kosiba. “I told my group it was going to be a great game, and they proved me right. We are a resilient group, led by a fierce competitor in senior, Ally Weaver.”
Prior to the contest, Weaver, the lone senior on the Carleton roster was recognized for her career accomplishments. She concludes her time donning the maize and blue eighth on the Knights’ all-time scoring list with 1,104 career points. She is also the program’s career leader in three-pointers made (175) and free-throw percentage (82 percent).
Carleton (6-19, 5-17 MIAC) shot 36 percent from the field, slightly better than the 33-percent mark recorded by St. Olaf (13-12, 10-12 MIAC).
The contest was close over the first 20 minutes as the lead changed hands six times in addition to four ties. The Oles opened the second period on a 14-4 run and extended their advantage to 52-36 midway through the half. Carleton still faced a 12-point deficit with 3:55 left to play, setting the stage for a furious comeback attempt.
Emma Purfeerst ‘14 started the rally with a pair of free throws and added a bucket in the paint. Jenny Ramey followed ‘14 with a step-back three-pointer, and Weaver’s jumper made it a 57-54 contest with 1:19 still to play.
After both team’s converted a free throw, Arzouman’s layup in traffic made the score 58-57 with 0:23 remaining. St. Olaf guard Mackenzie Wolter missed the front end of a one-and-one, opening the door for Carleton to take the final shot. Arzouman’s game-winning attempt bounced twice on the rim before falling off as time expired.
Wolter had 12 points to pace the Oles, who also got 10 points off the bench from Elise Raney.
Weaver and Arzouman were the only two in double figures for Carleton as Purfeerst finished with nine points and five rebounds, while Ramey added eight points and five boards. Kayla Kramer ‘12 hauled in a game-high seven rebounds despite being in foul trouble throughout the contest.
With only one senior on the roster this season, the Knights could see 11 players return for the 2011-12 campaign.