A whole lot is happening with the women's team. I'll have the report for their
sensational win over NC State later, but suffice it to say that Monique Currie
is steadily moving up the ladder for national player of the year consideration.
On Monday, the team ended its two-week road trip by pounding Holy Cross. The Final Four is in Boston this year, so Duke
wanted to get a good long look at the city. The game itself was a blowout, but
there were a few interesting events surrounding it. First off, Chante Black sat
out with a bone bruise on her foot. That was time wisely spent, since she had
to come back and play NC State tonight. Second, Wanisha Smith stepped back
into the starting lineup ahead of the struggling Abby Waner, and the move
proved to be beneficial for both players. After being pulled in the second
half against Maryland and shooting badly at Georgia Tech and BC, Abby led Duke
with 17, while Nish had 15.
Along the way, Lindsey Harding was named ACC Player of the Week for the first time, Monique Currie became the
third-leading scorer in Duke history, and Alison Bales broke the career
shot-blocking record held by Sarah Sullivan just two days before Shelden
Williams broke the men's career record. Ali now has 218 blocks in less than
three seasons of competition.
The NC State game is the beginning of Duke's roughest stretch of the year. #1
Tennessee (surviving a scare from Vanderbilt) comes to Cameron on Monday night.
Duke then takes a trip to Clemson to face the improving Tigers, then comes back
to Cameron for the big showdown with UNC. Here are some comments on the State
game from the great Bill Brill, and from Coach G herself.
Other random bits and pieces: Abby Waner was named Colorado high school athlete of the year.
Goduke.com has an unusual feature: the Jess & G book club, where that duo rates what they're reading. Mistie
Williams has a new blog entry up, and don't forget to check out Mo Currie's
official promotional web
site. Speaking of Mo, here's a feature about her return.