Seniors honored in pre-game ceremony

By Gwenn Miller
Collegian Staff Writer

Helen Darling will be specifically remembered for her wacky sense of humor.

Andrea Garner will be remembered by her nickname, Inspector Gadget.

Marissa Graby will be remembered for winning a cow-milking contest.

Despite their own unique experiences, the three seniors of the No. 6 Penn State women's basketball team will all be remembered for their perseverance, success and commitment.

Before the Lady Lions' 92-43 win Thursday night against Minnesota, the veterans were honored with balloons and flowers. As each was introduced, their parents escorted them on to the court of The Bryce Jordan Center to the roar of standing ovations.

After the win, the entire team was presented with the Big Ten regular season trophy, topping off the emotional evening. But each of the seniors subdued their tears as they took the court and contributed in every category.

Garner led the team in scoring with 20 points, and Darling broke out of a shooting slump to add 10. Graby scored four and contributed a steal and big rebounds.

It was further proof the reasons Lions coach Rene Portland selected the three to fulfill the role of captains.

"We are as strong as our leaders and these three have done a tremendous job for us," Lions coach Rene Portland said.

The night capped an emotional four years for the trio. They overcame a difficult freshman year and personal pressures, so it wasn't surprising that Graby and Darling shed a few tears.

"Those two were just crying buckets, but not me," Garner said. "I was just excited and happy and ready to play."

The night also concluded a week of practical jokes on the seniors, including trashing their rooms, hitting Graby in the face with a whipped cream pie and the theft of their favorite stuffed animals. The animals were returned, but were hanging from the upper deck façade with a sign reading "Help me Mommy".

"I didn't think I was going to make it through the game," Darling said, after seeing her stuffed dog, Wrinkles hanging above her. "He was calling my name."

The seniors said they would remember their final game, including the pranks. And as the three held the championship trophy, it was obvious they would all be remembered for something else.