PSU-Iowa St: battle of point guards

By Josh Daeche
Collegian Staff Writer

The awards between the two players are endless.

The way both players respond under pressure has been astonishing.

But for a pair of senior guards, Penn State's Helen Darling and Iowa State's Stacy Frese, the leadership they have displayed this season is the major reason why the Lady Lions and Cyclones will meet in the Sweet 16 Saturday night in Kansas City.

Darling is known for her sharp passes on the court and practical jokes off.

Frese handles the ball well, but spends some of her free time shooting — even when all the lights are turned off in the gym.

However, what these two players have in common is the ability to take over a game, and that is something no one will debate.

And come Saturday, both co-captains of their respective teams will attempt to stop one another from advancing to the Elite Eight.

"Helen is an outstanding player that gets her team ready to play," Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly said. "She is a great passer and is similar to the way Stacy handles the offense."

Darling came up big for the Lions this past weekend when she was 9 for 11 from the foul line. And in the waning minutes of Sunday's victory, she was perfect from the foul line, hitting all six attempts.

After Frese, along with the rest of the Cyclones, realized Penn State had advanced, she showcased her abilities late in Sunday's game, as she hit three 3-pointers in the last 93 seconds against a tough Illinois squad to help the Cyclones to Kansas City.

Throughout Frese's career, she has gone above and beyond expectations daily. As a junior she knocked down 19-straight free throws in the Big 12 Tournament, and was an All-American candidate this season. Last season, she went 8 for 8 from behind the 3-point arc twice.

She also set a school record for 3-point percentage, while scoring 30 or more points three times.

"I shot a lot growing up," Frese said. "I guess it's continued but I just want to help the team to be successful and continue to win."

While Frese likes to shoot, Darling's offense revolves around her finding the open players.

"Penn State has five players that can score," Iowa State co-captain Monica Huelman said.

Though the players' styles are different, they both want the best for their teams, and when tip-off arrives Saturday night the comparisons will end and only one will play on Monday for the chance to go to Philadelphia.