PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — Last season, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore picked up its first win against a Division I opponent on Dec. 20 at Mount St. Mary's. With the Hawks (2-7) still looking for their first victory against a like opponent this season, a home contest against those same Mountaineers Saturday (Dec. 14) at 2 p.m. could be just what the team needs.
But in order to duplicate last year's feat, the Hawks will need to put together a full game which head coach Fred Batchelor has yet to see from his squad.
"Really it's about us making free throws, limiting our turnovers and going into a game — where I feel like we compete — and not beating ourselves," Batchelor said. "That is the focus. Mount St. Mary's is a tough team. They can play on both sides of the ball. They are a very dangerous team, but at the end of the day this is about us and not allowing ourselves to play in a way that beats ourselves."
The Hawks have shown improvement. They have shown signs of taking a step forward. But injury riddled and turnover prone, they haven't shot the ball well from anywhere consistently as a team.
The team is shooting just 33% from the field, 24% from behind the arc.
"We also aren't, making our free throws," Batchelor said. "I have been screaming at them about being in the 50's all week. We have been working on that."
The Hawks are shooting just 57% from the line and finished the game just 5-of-13 in a nine-point loss at Old Dominion last time out.
They also turned the ball over 20 times, haven't rebounded the ball consistently all season and have not played well against pressure.
"It's the little things," Batchelor said. "We have to play winning basketball and that is where we are as a team. We are trying to find that and it's tough to play winning basketball when you haven't been winning. We have to find a way to play winning basketball in situations where we can be successful."
The Hawks are led by junior Amanda Carney (Old Bridge, New Jersey), who is putting up 10.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. She also leads the team with 22 made 3-pointers and is shooting 35% from the outside. She is 15-of-17 from the free throw line.
Junior JUCO transfer Kenetria Redfern (Cheektowaga, New York) pulled down 10 rebounds at Old Dominion and has been playing increased minutes lately.
The Mountaineers get 13.8 points per game from redshirt junior Kendell Bresee and she also leads the team in rebounding with 7.4 per contest.
This is The Shore's third home game in four game after playing five straight on the road.
"It's always good to be home," Batchelor said. "That is an added bonus for us, but it's not enough to help us be successful. We have to take care of the things we need to take care of."
Eastern Shore will next host Longwood on Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. and then will be off until it travels to Charlotte on Dec. 28.
