Lack of players leads to problems for W. Hoops

By GWENN MILLER
Collegian Staff Writer

Penn State's weekend opponent lacked size, finesse and skill, but the Lady Lions basketball team still had a few difficulties with Tallin Pedagogical University.

In spite of a sluggish start and an injury to center Andrea Garner, the Lady Lions defeated the Estonian team 74-45. Garner left the game midway through the first half, much to the bewilderment of her teammates.

"I wondered what she did wrong," Lions forward Maren Walseth said. "I thought, 'Surely she didn't screw up already. I don't think she had two fouls yet.' "

Garner's right arm was pulled back in an awkward manner as she was fighting for a rebound. When she left the floor, trainers worked with her and she was able to start the second half.

But as Garner was simply running down the floor, she said her arm felt numb and she was unable to move it. Garner did not return in the game and finished with six points and seven rebounds.

"We really don't know what it is to be quite honest," Penn State coach Rene Portland said. "We're not sure if it was a muscular thing or a capsular thing."

Penn State's depth in the second half was reduced to eight players because freshman center Nicole Anaejionu has not been cleared by Portland to play due to academic reasons.

It has not been decided when she will dress for an upcoming game and her return is dependent on the recommendation of the team's academic counselor.

Although the season is barely underway, the players realize the stress potential injuries could create.

"I think it will affect us," Darling said. "We only have 10 players, so if one person goes down, of course it's going to affect the team. She's (Garner) one of our key players, too. So everyone's going to have to step up a notch."

And the team will also have to ignore the fatigue that plagued them today. Portland said most of the players had busy academic weeks filled with numerous tests and term papers. On Saturday night, the Lions participated in a team building activity that lasted late into the night.

Portland also blamed missed shots for the slow tempo and Tallin scoring opportunities. Even though Penn State pulled ahead in the second half, Portland hesitated to call it an improvement.

"I'm not really sure we improved as the game went on," Portland said. "We had 116 points last time and only 74 this time. We were more fun to watch last time."

The Lions suffered from below average shooting from the floor with 36 percent, including 30 percent from three-point range. Guard Chrissy Falcone fared the best, going three for five from behind the arc.

Walseth led the Lions in scoring with 18 points and tied Darling and Rashanna Barnes with eight rebounds for the team-high.