Women's basketball team loses to Aquinas, 77-62, in championship game of 2005 O.C. Comet Classic

The Olivet College women's basketball team fell to Aquinas College, 77-62, this afternoon in the championship game of the 2005 O.C. Comet Classic at the Upton Center in Olivet. For her efforts, junior Audrey Graham (Battle Creek/Lakeview) was named to the all-tournament team.

The Saints (5-2) scored the first basket of the game and never trailed, leading by as many as 11 points in the first half. The Comets (2-2) cut their deficit to four points at halftime. In the second half, Aquinas stretched its lead to 16 points.

Olivet placed four players in double figures. Junior Jen O'Neil (Avondale) and senior Gina Willard (Casnovia/Kent City) scored 12 points apiece, while Graham and sophomore Amy Brackenwagen (Grand Ledge) tallied 11 points each. Graham grabbed a game-high eight rebounds.

All five Saints' starters scored in double digits. Jackie Braspenninx, who was named tournament MVP, led the way with 24, followed by Whitney Marsh (17), Ashley Heuvelman (12), Mandi DeGroot (11) and Claire Hogan (10). Braspenninx, Heuvelman and Hogan pulled down five rebounds apiece.

The Comets are back in action Wednesday, Nov. 30, when they open Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play at Tri-State (Ind.) University. Tip-off from Hershey Hall is 7:30 p.m.

Comet Classic All-Tournament Team -- Michelle Jackson (Rochester), Kim Murray (Alverno), Audrey Graham (O), Claire Hogan (Aquinas) and MVP Jackie Braspennix (Aquinas)