Women’s Basketball Graduating Key Senior Courtney Young

The Frostburg State women’s basketball team dropped a 71-49 decision to York (Pa.), Wednesday February 17th.

In the last home game of the season, the Bobcats struggled to do anything against York’s defense and could not find the net as the Spartan offense took control of the game from the beginning.

The Bobcats fought hard but could never control the tempo of the game. Of the games that FSU had won, they usually come out from the tip-off with explosion and energy, but FSU could not maintain any type of control during the game.

York led by five early in the first quarter, but a three-pointer from Keri Hudson brought the game back within two. Hudson also went a perfect 4-for-4 in free throws during the quarter to keep the Bobcats in the game, but it wasn’t enough as the Spartans went on a late eight-point run to gain a healthy lead over FSU as time expired in the first.

Trailing by nine after the first quarter, the Bobcats needed some encouragement from the crowd and coach Saunders.

York went up by as much as 13 in the second quarter, picking up right where they left off in the first quarter. York was efficiently disciplined on the offensive end, not taking a shot unless it was clear and best fit for each possession.

Freshman Bryce Papp made a three-pointer with one minute remaining in the second quarter, however the Bobcats trailed 38-24, going into halftime.

During halftime, everyone watching the game was hoping for a comeback win by the Bobcats for not only the team’s sake but for senior leader Courtney Young. Seeing that this was her last home game to play in front of her family and friends, everyone was looking for a win.

The third quarter was full of rough play and a lot of easy scoring by York. They held the Bobcats to only six points in the whole quarter.

Kirsten Rayner recorded another 20-point game, posting 13 of her 20 points for the Bobcats in the fourth quarter behind five layups, a jumper and a made free throw. FSU performed well in the fourth quarter, outscoring York 19-18, but could not pull out the win for Courtney Young’s final home game, losing 71-49.

Young, playing 24 games this season, averaged 30 minutes a game, 9 points, 8 rebounds and a steal. She is the Bobcats vocal leader on the court, in practice, and in the locker room. She played high school basketball at Bishop McNamara in Forestville, Md., and enjoyed four years of FSU basketball under Coach Saunders.

When asked about how emotional it was for her to have her last home game as a Bobcat, Young said, “It was very emotional for me. Playing in front of my friends and family for the last time was bittersweet. I got to remember all the hard work that has been put in on that floor.”

Even with the unsatisfying record, Young pushed herself every day in practice and on game day to show her love and passion for the game.

“My best memory of the season is when we won before Thanksgiving break and Kirsten had about 23 and 18,” said Young. Many people might not notice but for a senior to say her favorite memory of the season is not when she did well but when her teammate shined in a win is very admirable and appreciated.

Her final remark to the team as she departs at the end of season is, “ Don’t let anyone or anything distract you from working hard at what you love. You’ll face obstacles on the way, but if you love what you do you’ll persevere and be successful.”

The FSU community appreciates the dedication and hard work from Courtney Young after these long four years on the basketball court and in the classroom.

Catch the women’s basketball team end their regular season when they travel to Salisbury Saturday, February 20^th and watch Young’s last game as a Bobcat. Tip off is set for 1:00 pm.