Trahan, Williams lead Co-Lin over Meridian Lady Eagles

Published 6:00 am Tuesday, February 13, 2007

WESSON — In the final minute of the women’s basketball gameMonday night in Mullen Gymnasium, Co-Lin coach Gwyn Young ‘s LadyWolves defense didn’t let him down in a hard-fought 59-57victory.

With 33 seconds remaining to play, Co-Lin’s Hanna Porter nailed2 big free throws to give the hosts a 58-57 lead over the MeridianLady Eagles.

Sophomore forward Erica Trahan caught an overthrown passintended for Meridian’s Nikki Dial with 33 seconds. Co-Llin’s NikkiWilliams, a sophomore guard, ended up with the ball, running timeoff the clock and getting fouled. Williams was 1-for-2 from thecharity line and pushed Co-Lin’s lead to two points, 59-57, with 20seconds left in the game.

Subscribe to our free email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

The Lady Eagles missed a jumper and Trahan grabbed the rebound.The ball was stolen at the buzzer as Meridian’s desperation shotmissed its mark and the Lady Wolves held on for a South Divisionwin over an aggressive Meridian team.

“The defense made a couple of defensive players that we needed,”said Coach Young after the win.

In their previous encounter at Meridian on Jan. 18, the LadyWolves put away the Lady Eagles 88-75.

Co-Lin, ranked No. 10 nationally, improved in the South to 10-1and is 20-2 overall.. Meridian fell to 5-6 in division play and12-10 overall.

Co-Lin travels to Gulf Coast Thursday for another divisiondoubleheader. The women begin play at 6 p.m. followed by themen.

“I’m glad we made that little run at the end,” added Young.

Co-Lin came into the second half trailing Meridian by sevenpoints, 26-19. The lead changed hands several times. The LadyEagles final lead came at the 3:45 mark on a field goal from pointguard Jennifer Wair that put them up 54-52. Porter came back to tiethe game 54-all on a jumper and Trahan nailed a jump shot for a56-54 lead that Co-Lin would not relinquish the remainder of thegame.

Williams powered the Lady Wolves with 13 points, 5 rebounds and7 assists. Porter finished with 9 points. Trahan netted 12 pointsand led off the backboards with 12 rebounds. Dominique Whitfieldpulled down six rebounds. Whitney Scott and Williams grabbed fiverebounds apiece.

“(Alisha) Mason and (Kristin) Ellis came in the game and a did agood job in the second half,” said Young. Mason finished with 8points, 5 rebounds and blocked 2 shots. Ellis scored 12 points andpulled down 5 rebounds.

The Lady Wolves jumped out on the Lady Eagles in the firstquarter, leading 8-0 before Meridian scored its first bucket at the14:55 mark a field goal by Zirconia Hopkins.

Powering Coach Hilary Allen’s Lady Eagles with 16 points apiecewere sophomore center Jennifer Wair and sophomore point guard HollyDial. NaDosha Strickland finished with 12 points. Wair andStrickland pulled down 10 rebounds apiece.