March 18, 2008

Spivey earns All-American Honorable Mention

Kansas City, MO – Senior Martha Spivey (Manteca, CA) capped an amazing four-year career Tuesday, as the Hawks co-captain earned NAIA All-American honorable mention recognition.

This season's NAIA All-American team was announced prior to Tuesday night's Division II championship game between College of the Ozarks and Northwestern College.

Spivey lead the Cal Pac Conference in rebounds, averaging 10.7 per game and earned Cal Pac Player of the Week honors four times this season. She appeared in 27 of the 30 games this season and averaged 13 points per game. Spivey finished her career sixth in the nation on NAIA Division II with 7.56 defensive rebounds per game and eighth with total rebounds per game. Her conference - leading 2.6 blocks per game made her number thirteen in the nation. This is Spivey's second All -Conference honor and her third Defender of the Year honor.

Spivey received All-American honorable mention recognition this season, after helping lead HNU to 19 wins, a conference regular season championship, the conference post-season tournament title, and an automatic berth in the 2008 NAIA Division II national tournament.

March 12, 2008

#1 Seed Northwestern Ends HNU's Run at Nationals - Spivey Sets New Single-Season Rebounding Record

Sioux City, Iowa – No. 1 seed Northwestern College (Iowa) ran to a 97-48 victory over the eighth seed Holy Names (CA) in the opening round of the 17th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa.

Northwestern (31-2) led at the half 44-31, while the Hawks (19-13) were feeling the effects of a 20 day layoff before the tournament.  The lag seriously affected HNU's effectiveness as Northwestern generated a 45% shooting percentage to HNU's 28% and out-rebounded Holy Names 71-34.

Northwestern's Debbie Remmerde led all scorers with 30 points, while going 6-for-7 from three-point land. Remmerde now sits sixth on the all-time scoring leader board with 222 career tournament points. Amy Larson added 22 points on 9-of-18 shooting and Crystal Algood netted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Red Raiders.

The Hawks were led offensively by Cal Pac's Player of the Year and Defender of the Year, Martha Spivey, with a double-double at 10 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman Sarah Henning added 10 points off the bench for Holy Names. Spivey and Henning were the only Hawks to break into double digit scoring, with Angela Anthony dishing for 4 assists before fouling out.

Spivey ended up breaking the single season rebound record by one with her 11 rebounds, in the effort, and she now has 325 rebounds this season breaking Mikki Elftmann's record of 324 set in 1999. 

The future of Hawks women's basketball is very bright as Holy Names sent 14 players to Iowa, with half of those being freshman.  The depth and experience garnered by the National Tournament showing will have long term benefits as the Hawks look toward next season's Cal Pac battle for the Conference title and a return to the National Championship Tournament.

Northwestern advances to the second round to take on Cornerstone University ( Mich. ) at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. HNU ends the season 14-2 Cal Pac and 19-14 overall.

For more information on the NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship visit www.naia.org.

Box Score

February 23, 2008

Holy Names Beats CSU- East Bay 52-46 for Cal Pac Conference Tournament and Automatic Bid to NAIA Championship

Hayward, Ca - The #1 Holy Names University Hawks (RV, 19-13) used a strong second half start to top the #2 CSU East Bay Pioneers (15-12) on Saturday night of the California Pacific Conference Championship Tournament.

The first half was a tight one, with the lead exchanging hands eight times and the score knotted at 22 going in to the locker room at halftime.  A big part of that reason was turnovers, with both teams combining for 24 in the first half.

HNU got things going in the second half with a layup by Martha Spivey to initiate a 7-point run that would set the tone for the final 20 minutes. Holy Names never relinquished the lead and didn't allow a Pioneer basket until 13:41 remaining.  A three-pointer by CSUEB's Amy Elliott cut the HNU lead to 47-44 with 36.2 seconds to play but fouls sent Holy Names to the free throw line to secure the victory.

HNU's Mana Camara pumped in 12 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, while Cal Pac Player of the Year Martha Spivey knocked down 7 points and pulled down a game-leading 16 rebounds.

CSUEB was led by Michelle Hobbs with 10 points, with Jenene James recorded 9 points and a team-high 14 rebounds.

"We're excited to be here," said Holy Names head coach Steve Spencer after the game.  "Halfway through the season our ladies made an effort to change some things and that's why we've made it this far," Cal Pac's Coach of the Year continued.  "I'm happy that we've elevated the program back to the status we were when I came back to the program (four years ago)."

With the win, Holy Names earns and automatic berth to the NAIA Division II National Tournament.  The tournament runs March 12-18 at the Tyson's Event Center in Sioux City, Iowa.

Box Score

February 22, 2008

Hawks Escape with Win over Bethany 69-67

Hayward, Ca - The #1 Hawks (18-13) edged the #5 Bethany University Bruins (11-17) in the semifinals of the California Pacific Conference Tournament on Friday afternoon at CSU East Bay in Hayward .

Holy Names was led by Angelita Hutton, who drained 4 three pointers and finished the night with 22 points. Cal Pac Player of the Year Martha Spivey recorded 12 points and pulled down 9 rebounds.

Bethany was led by junior guard Heather Mazza . Sophomore forward Bethany Hurst scored with 14 points and grabbed 13 points

in a losing effort.

Holy Names took a 34-25 lead into the locker room at halftime but Bethany crept back into the game in the second half thanks to a

.500 shooting clip.

The No. 1 Holy Names University will face the Pioneers on Saturday. Tip-off is at 5:00 p.m. at CSU East Bay 's Pioneer Gym.

The winner earns an automatic berth to the NAIA Division II National Tournament in Sioux City, Iowa.

February 19, 2008

Cal Pac All- Conference Honors Dominated by HNU

2008 WOMEN'S ALL-CONFERENCE BASKETBALL TEAM

                Amy Elliott              CSU- East Bay

                Sara Fairburn*        Simpson University

                Alisha Flaaten         Dominican University

                Kelci Fushikoshi *    Menlo College

                Angelita Hutton    Holy Names University

                Jonessa Jackson      Bethany University

                Kepua Lee **          Menlo College

                Martha Spivey      Holy Names University

                Nakia Watson          CSU- Maritime

                Olivia Williams**     Dominican University

* Two-time All- Conference selection

** Three-time All- Conference selection

PLAYER OF THE YEAR:

Martha Spivey, Holy Names University

COACH OF THE YEAR:

Steve Spencer, Holy Names University

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR:

Leah Manning, Menlo College

FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR:

Micha Pringle, Simpson University

DEFENDER OF THE YEAR:

Martha Spivey, Holy Names University

Spivey leads the conference in rebounds, averaging 10.7 per game and has earned Cal Pac Player of the Week honors four times this season. She has appeared in 27 of the 30 games this season and is averaging 13 points per game. Spivey is currently sixth in the nation on NAIA Division II with 7.56 defensive rebounds per game and eight with total rebounds per game. Her conference - leading 2,6 blocks per game makes her number twelve in the nation. This is Spivey's second All -Conference honor and her third Defender of the Year honor.

Spencer earns Cal Pac Conference Coach of the Year award after leading the Hawks to a 14-2 Conference record. Spencer is in his third year at the helm for HNU and has complied a 55-38 record heading into post season.

February 16, 2008

Hawks Stumped by Jessup in Last Regular Season Game

Holy Names    56

Wm. Jessup    61

HNU v Wm. Jessup Box Score

#1 seed, Holy Names, will next play in the semi-final round of the Cal Pac Tournament at 1pm on Friday, February 22, at Cal State East Bay.

February 14, 2008

Hawks Tally Another Win

Holy Names  84

Maritime       71

HNU v Maritime Box Score

Holy Names' final regular season game is Saturday, February 16, in Rocklin, against William Jessup at 5:30pm and 7:30pm.

February 11, 2008

HNU Clinches Cal Pac Championship

Oakland, CA - For the first time since 2004 the Holy Names University Women's Basketball team is champion of the California Pacific Conference. No matter what happens in the final two games of the season this week, the team has clinched the league title. HNU has finished second in the conference in each of the last three seasons. This was Coach Steve Spencer's first conference championship as a head coach.

With its two victories last week the Hawks were at 16-12 overall and 13-1 in the conference. This week, the Hawks were scheduled to play two road games – at CSU Maritime in Vallejo on Thursday and at William Jessup in Rocklin on Saturday night. HNU beat both of those teams earlier. Going into the final week of the regular season, the Hawks were on a 9-game winning streak and had won 11 of their last 12 games. Their last loss was 73-58 at Menlo College back on January 10. But last week, HNU avenged that loss with a 65-48 victory in Tobin Gym.

In that game senior Martha Spivey, 6-1 forward, scored 28 points, collected 22 rebounds and blocked five shots in her final home game appearance. She broke the single season blocked shots record for HNU. Spivey, from Manteca , was 19 points from the 1,000 mark going into this week's action. Her coach, Steve Spencer, believes she has a legitimate shot at being named Cal Pac MVP, particularly if the team finishes strong.

After the regular season ends Saturday, the team will prepare for the Cal Pac post-season tournament at Cal State East Bay , February 21-23. Winner of the conference tournament automatically receives an invitation to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics tournament. The 17 th annual Division II nationals will be at Sioux City , Iowa , March 12-18.

February 9, 2008

Hawks dominate Menlo; Win 9th in a Row

Menlo           48

Holy Names  65

Oakland, CA - The Hawks were set to have a great Senior Night, as they came into the night with a 8 game winning streak. They established themselves early, going into the locker room leading the Menlo Oaks, 32-19. Menlo poured it on in the second half but couldn't make up for the halftime lead, ending it down seventeen, 65-48. The loss sends Menlo to 9-6 in Cal Pac, while the win boosts HNU's winning streak to 9, with a 13-1 Cal Pac record.

Oak Kelci Fushikoshi led Menlo with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, while Sonet Yee contributed 15 points, 3 rebounds and a game-high 7 assists. Louise Madrigal had a notable 10 rebounds.

HNU's Martha Spivey dominated tonight's play with an amazing double-double; scoring a game-high 28 points, grabbing a game-high 22 rebounds, passing for 2 assists and blocking a game-high 5 shots. Chelsie Kadota added 12 points to the evening's total, while Angelita Hutton contributed to the win with 10 points and matched Larisa Nakasone at 4 assists, each.

Menlo v HNU Box Score

Holy Names closes out the regular season with two final away games at CSU Maritime on February 14 and William Jessup on February 16. Games are at 5:30pm (Women) and 7:30 pm (Men).

February 7, 2008

HNU Battles Back to Beat Dominican

Dominican       70

Holy Names     74

Oakland, CA - The Hawks had their work cut out for them as they ended the first half of play down by 11 points to the visiting Dominican Penguins.  Challenged but not overcome, HNU came back fiercely and outscored Dominican by 20 points in the second half.  The loss drops the Penguins to 6-7 in Cal Pac, as HNU stands alone at the top with 12-1 and an 8 game winning streak.

Dominican's Alisha Flaaten garnered game-highs at 25 points and 6 assists, as Olivia Williams was the only other Penguin in double digits with a double-double of 20 points and 16 rebounds.

Hawk Angelita Hutton led the HNU charge at 17 points and 5 assists, with Martha Spivey adding 14 points and a team-high 9 rebounds.  Chelsie Kadota, Larisa Nakasone and Sarah Henning all contributed to the total with 12, 11 and 10 points, respectively.  Angela Anthony led the Hawks with a game-high 6 assists.

Dominican v HNU Box Score

HNU hosts Menlo College for its final regular season home game on Saturday, February 9, at 5:30pm and 7:30pm (Men).  Saturday is also Senior Night for the HNU Hawks, so come out and support your Hawks!

A concessions stand will be open with hot dogs, nachos, snacks and drinks.

February 2, 2008

Hawks Dominates Simpson on Strong Play

Holy Names     84

Simpson          65

Redding, CA - HNU continues to lead Cal Pac as they rolled over Simpson in the second half.  Simpson's Redhawks battled HNU in the first half going into the locker room just 2 points down.  But the Hawks commanded the second half, outscoring Simpson 50-33.  Simpson moves to 4-9 in Cal Pac, as HNU rises to 11-1.

Simpson's Sara Fairburn led the Redhawks with a game-high 23 points and 3 assists, while Chalyn Passmore scored a double-double at 13 points and an outstanding 17 rebounds.  Matilde Bongato and Katie Garringer added 12 and 10 points, respectively.

HNU had four players in double digits with Hawk Martha Spivey going 7 for 10 from the floor with team-high's at 19 points and 8 rebounds.  Chelsie Kadota contributed 16 points, while Angelita Hutton and Raquel Hyche tied one another at 14 points apiece.

HNU v Simpson Box Score

January 31, 2008

HNU Riding 6 game Winning Streak

Holy Names     61

CSUEB            56

Hayward, CA - The Hawks have been working hard to play up their strengths and that worked out very well as HNU had a well-rounded effort against CSU East Bay.  Although East Bay led by 4 at halftime, HNU controlled the second half, making up those 4 and out scoring CSUEB by 9 in the last half of play, 34-25.  The loss pushes East Bay to 11-9 overall and 9-3 in Cal Pac for second place.  The effort has HNU on top of the Cal Pac heap with 4 games to go in regular season, at 13-12 overall and 10-1 in conference.

CSUEB's Ashley Butler had a double-double at 12 points and 15 rebounds, but Kelsey Mackenzie led the Pioneers at 13 points.  Christine Riley added 10 points with Amy Elliot passing for a game-high 7 assists.

Angelita Hutton led the Hawks shooting for 13 points and 4 rebounds, while Mana Camara offered 12 points and Angela Anthony had 11 points.  Martha Spivey just missed another double-double sinking 9 points and grabbing a team-high 12 rebounds. 

HNU v CSUEB Box Score

January 26, 2008

Spivey's Double-Double Leads Hawks to 5th Win in a Row

Bethany            62

Holy Names       82 

Oakland, CA - The Hawks wanted to command the game tonight and Martha Spivey showed them how to do it as she garnered another double-double for her efforts today against Bethany.  HNU made it to .500 tonight in a decisive win over the Bethany Bruins, dropping the Bruins to 6-14 overall and 6-4 in Cal Pac, while bringing the Hawks to 12-12 overall and a conference leading 9-1 in Cal Pac.

The Bruins had 4 players in double digits, with Bethany Hurst leading the way with a double-double at 12 points and 12 rebounds, Heather Mazza's matching 12 points, Page Senadenos making 11 points and Jonessa Jackson adding 10 points. 

HNU's own Martha Spivey sank a game-high of 19 points, grabbed a dominating 18 rebounds and made 4 blocks this afternoon.  Chelsie Kadota tossed in 16 points, with Raquel Hyche offering 14 points and Angelita Hutton contributing 12 points.

Bethany v HNU Box Score

Holy Names travels to a rematch with CSU East Bay in Hayward on Thursday, January 31, at 5:30pm (Women) and 7:30pm. 

January 22, 2008

HNU Takes Lead in Cal Pac Over CSU East Bay

CSUEB             52

Holy Names      64 

Oakland, CA - The Cal State Pioneers and the HNU Hawks battled for the top of Cal Pac and the Hawks found themselves at the pinnacle after the evenings competition.  It looked dismal for HNU as the Pioneers led 21-9 in the first half, but the Hawks rallied to tie at halftime 28-28.  HNU pushed ahead in the second half and outlasted CSUEB as they drop to 7-2 in Cal Pac and 9-8 overall.  HNU advances to 8-1 in Cal Pac and almost .500 with 11-12 overall.  The Hawks are now on a 4 game winning streak going into Saturday's game against Bethany.

Former Hawk and now CSUEB Pioneer Ashley Butler led East Bay with team-highs at 16 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists.  Jenene James added 10 points with 8 rebounds.

The Hawks were led by Angelita Hutton's game-high 19 points and 3 assists, while Martha Spivey had a matching double-double at 14 points and a game-high 14 rebounds.  Angela Anthony contributed 11 points and 6 rebounds on the night, with Larisa Nakasone dishing for a game-high 7 assists, 5 points and 8 rebounds.

CSUEB v HNU Box Score

Holy Names hosts Bethany University in Tobin Gym on Saturday, January 26, at 2pm (Women) and 4pm. 

January 19, 2008

Pacific Union No Match for HNU Depth

PUC                   27

Holy Names      107 

Oakland, CA - HNU shredded the PUC Pioneers as they battle to stay at the top of the Cal Pac standings with CSU East Bay.  The loss takes Pacific Union to 0-8 in Cal Pac, while the Hawks climb to 7-1 in Cal Pac and 10-12 overall.

Pioneer Nichole Stottlemeyer shot almost .500 from the floor going 5/11 for a double-double at a team-high 13 points and a game-high tying 14 rebounds. 

The Hawks had four players in double-figures with HNU's Martha Spivey leading the Hawks in the win with a double-double at a game-high 18 points with 14 rebounds. Alexandria Gonzalez registered 15 points, with C'Ani Keahloha adding 14 and Janiene Sablan notching 11 points.  Mana Camara grabbed a notable 11 rebounds in the effort.

PUC v HNU Box Score

January 17, 2008

HNU Rolls Over Warriors

WJU                   71

Holy Names        91 

Oakland, CA - The William Jessup Warriors faced a rested HNU team after a five-day rest put the Hawks in the mood for running.  In the end, WJU couldn't keep up against the Hawks, with the Hawks winning 71-91.  The loss puts WJU at 4-12 overall, 3-5 Cal Pac, and the Hawks rise to 9-12 overall, 6-1 in Cal Pac.

Warrior Christina Kidd sank a game-high 25 points, with 9 rebounds, followed by Amanda Gillmihg at 14 points and Shawnesy Patton at 11 points.  Kia Shaw had 7 points, 4 assists and 4 blocks on the night.

HNU's Martha Spivey went 8-12 on the night for 21 points with a team-high 6 rebounds and 2 blocks.  Five others scored in double-digits; Angelita Hutton, 17 points, Larisa Nakasone, 13 points with 3 blocks, Mana Camara and Chelsie Kadota tied at 11 points with Raquel Hyche bringing in 10 points.

WJU v HNU Box Score

Holy Names plays against Pacific Union in Tobin Gym on Saturday, January 19, at  5:30pm and 7:30pm (Men).

January 12, 2008

Hawks Sink Keelhaulers

CSU-Maritime     49

Holy Names        83 

Oakland, CA - The HNU Hawks made up for their loss to Menlo this week by taking control of the Cal State University-Maritime Keelhaulers with solid defense, in addition to running the floor offensively, easily handling CSUM 49-83.  The loss sets CSUM at 4-11 overall and 3-4 in Cal Pac.  The wins boosts the Hawks to 8-12 overall and 5-1 for Cal Pac play.

CSUM's Lauren Westbrook led the Keelhaulers with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Nakia Watson added 10 points, 6 rebounds and a game-high 5 assists.  Ariel Gatton pulled down a team-high 11 rebounds.

Hawk Martha Spivey had an outstanding afternoon with game-highs at 22 points and 16 rebounds for an impressive double-double.  The rest of the team offered an assortment of points with Sarah Henning adding the next highest at 9 points with 7 rebounds.

CSUM v HNU Box Score

Holy Names hosts William Jessup at home in Tobin Gym on Thursday, January 17, at  5:30pm and 7:30pm (Men).

January 10, 2008

Menlo Oaks Overpower HNU

Holy Names   58  

Dominican     73

HNU v Menlo Box Score

Holy Names takes on CSU-Maritime at home on Saturday, January 12, at  2pm (Women) and 4pm.

January 8, 2008

HNU Triumphs Over Dominican

Holy Names   67 

Dominican     53

HNU v Dominican Box Score

Holy Names will next travel to Menlo College on Thursday, January 10, in Atherton at 6pm and 8pm (Men's).

January 5, 2008

HNU Persevere Over Simpson

Simpson University     70

Holy Names               75

Simpson v HNU Box Score

Holy Names will travel to Dominican University next on Tuesday, January 8, in San Rafael at  5:30pm (Women) and 7:30pm.

January 3, 2008

Power Outage Forces CSU-East Bay Rescheduled to 1/22/08

December 29 & 30, 2007

Hawaii No Picnic for HNU, Hawks Drop 2

December 18, 2007

Hawks Battle UGF Argonauts to Win

Box Score

December 14 & 15, 2007

Oregon Trip Results in 2 Losses

Box Score          Box Score

December 8, 2007

HNU Rallies Past Bethany Bruins

Box Score

December 6, 2007

Hawks Roll Over PUC

Box Score

December 4, 2007

HNU Overpowered by CSU-Stanislaus

Box Score

December 1, 2007

University of La Verne Slips Past Hawks

Box Score

November 24, 2007
Vanguard Lions Shred Dominican Penguins -

Hawks Overcome SOU Raiders in Final Seconds

Oakland, CA - The Div I Vanguard University Lions, ranked #2 in the NAIA nationwide, showed that they have depth, even without their All-American center playing.  VU let Dominican stay in the game for the first 8 minutes but then pulled away, putting the game away 92-53.

Penguin Alisha Flaaten led Dominican with a team-high 16 points and 5 assists, while Olivia Williams added 15 points with 8 rebounds.  Darcel Sanders grabbed 10 rebounds and sank 4 points.

Vanguard's Jessica Richter had a game-high 25 points, with 8 rebounds and 5 assists.  Melissa Cook contributed 19 points and 8 rebounds, while Sarah Boyd put in 12 points, owned 5 rebounds and dished for an amazing 10 assists on the night.

The HNU Hawks showed that they will fight to the end as they overcame a strong Southern Oregon team in the closing seconds to win 78-81.  The Raiders led at the half by 4, but HNU came out of the locker room and made up the deficit and more.  SOU rallied to go ahead by as much as 7 with about three minutes remaining, until a late surge by the Hawks tied it at 79 with 30 seconds to go.  Each team turned the ball over but HNU passed it in to Martha Spivey in the paint with 1.5 seconds remaining and she scored from under the basket, getting fouled as well.  Spivey sank the free throw, and then batted away an SOU throw in, essentially sealing the victory.

Raider Chelsey Muri offered a team-high 13 points and 6 assists, with Emily Brookins and Rhiannon Dickison each adding 12 points, and Kellyn Cooper providing a double-double at 11 points and 12 rebounds.

HNU had 5 players in double digits; Angelita Hutton sank a game-high 15 points, with C'ani Kealoha close behind at 14 points.  Other Hawks to score included Sarah Henning with 12 points, Chelsie Kadota at 11 points and Junai Dawson adding 10 points.  Larisa Nakasone passed off an incredible 11 assists, while Martha Spivey sank the game winner and pulled down a team-high 8 rebounds and 2 blocks.

This win edges HNU up to 2-5 overall for the season.  HNU next travels to south to the University of La Verne on December 1 at 5pm.

DU v VU Box Score             SOU v HNU Box Score

November 23, 2007
Southern Oregon Downs Dominican -

Host Holy Names Drops to Vanguard in Thanksgiving Tourney

Oakland, CA - Southern Oregon opened the tournament by taking control of Dominican and never letting them get into the game, winning 84-62.  Holy Names gave #2 ranked NAIA Div. I Vanguard a fight, getting to within 3 points with approximately 9 minutes to play, but then the Lions just roared past the Hawks ending it 103-75.

Dominican's Olivia Williams had a game-high 26 points and 8 rebounds, while Alisha Flaaten added 15 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists on the night. 

SOU's Jackie Speer put in a team-high 25 points, and grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds for a double-double in the winning effort.  Whitney Scott was the only other Raider to break into double digits, scoring 11 points.  The rest of the team contibuted points fairly evenly down from there.

HNU's Angelita Hutton was team-high scorer at 15 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Chelsie Kadota added 11 points, while C'ani Kealoha had 10 points for the game. 

Vanguard Lion Lindsey Rinke sank a game-high 23 points with 6 rebounds. Sarah Boyd offered up 21 points, 3 rebounds and an impressive 7 assists, with both Lauren Gregory and Melissa Cook making 18 points, and Cook making it a double-double with 13 rebounds to Gregory's 9 rebounds. 

Saturday night finds Dominican facing Vanguard in the 4pm game, with Holy Names taking on Southern Oregon for the 6pm tournament closer.

DU v SOU Box Score             VU v HNU Box Score

November 17, 2007
HNU Finds Little Hope at HIU

Fullerton, CA - HNU went to Hope International looking for an increase in their win column but didn't find much at Hope.  The HIU Royals controlled the game from the start and put the Hawks out of their misery with a 60-83 win.  HNU is now 1-4 overall, HIU forges ahead at 5-1 on the season to date.

The Royals spread the wealth offensively as five players finished the game in double figures. Allison Wulff (20), Jasmine Nault (17), Stephanie Wenke (12), with Cynthia Hernandez and Sarah Nylander both finishing with a total of 10 points.

The Hawks' Chelsie Kadota offered 17 points in the effort, going 7/9 from the floor.  Martha Spivey added 11 points, 9 rebounds and an amazing 6 blocks against HIU.  C'ani Kealoha put in 10 points on a perfect 2/2 from beyond the 3-point line and 4/4 from the foul line.

Holy Names next hosts the Holy Names University Thanksgiving Tournament with Dominican, Southern Oregon and Vanguard coming to Tobin Gym on November 23 & 24, for games at 4pm and HNU playing at 6pm both evenings.  Friday will be a "3fer" as the Men's team will play Fresno Pacific on Friday night at 8pm.

Box Score

November 10, 2007
Hawks Generate Mixed Results at DU Classic

San Rafael, CA - The Hawks felt good Friday after the game with Northwest Christian, winning 75-65, but couldn't muster the same effort against Westmont on Saturday, dropping the dual 87-44.

NW's Emily Gray recorded a game-high 21 points, while McKenzie Gambee added 15 points.

HNU's Junai Dawson and Martha Spivey each had 15 points, with Spivey edging Dawson out for a double-double with 10 rebounds to Dawson's 9, but Dawson dished for a team-high 4 assists.  Raquel Hyche scored 13 points in the evenings effort.

Saturday found Westmont Warriors Annie Johnson and Alisha Heglund scoring 17, apiece, while Brittany Crawford added 12.

Hawk C'ani Kealoha was the only HNU player to break into double digits at 10 points, while Junai Dawson pulled down a team-high 5 rebounds, which, besides the score, summed up the devastation of the game.

Holy Names next goes to Hope International in Fullerton on Friday, November 17th, for a 5:30pm tip-off.

NW Box Score   /    Westmont Box Score

November 6, 2007
Holy Names Announces Tip-Off All-Tournament Team

Oakland, CA - Holy Names Head Coach Steve Spencer announced the Tip-Off All-Tournament Team for this year and provided the names of the following athlete's for recognition:

                 MVP - Shannon Evans, Westminster

                           Janae Hersey, Westminster

                           Megan Alberts, Biola

                           Summer Mathews, Biola

                           Jacque Barton, Warner Pacific

                           Martha Spivey, Holy Names

November 3, 2007
Westminster Tames Warner Pacific;

Biola Controls Holy Names

Oakland, CA - The final day of the Holy Names Tip-Off Tournament found Westminster College of Salt Lake facing Warner Pacific College in the 6pm game among the undefeated teams in the tournament.  Westminster's first half performance proved too much for Warner Pacific to overcome, with Westminster downing Warner Pacific 64-56.

Westminster Griffon Shannon Evans offered a game-high 21 points in the win with Janae Hersey giving a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds in the winning effort.  WPC Knight Jacque Barton sank 16 points with 3 rebounds and 3 assists, followed by Danica Wilson's double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds.

In the 8pm game, Biola University controlled HNU throughout the first half (33-24) and didn't let the Hawks back in the game through the second half, finishing the effort at 74-60.

Biola Eagle's gave outstanding performances as Megann Alberts tallied 19 points and 17 rebounds, while Summer Mathews added 14 points with 15 rebounds, and Mandi England dished 5 game-high assists.

The notable Hawks included Larisa Nakasone with 14 points, followed by Angelita Hutton sinking 10 points, and Junai Dawson grabbing a team-high 8 rebounds.

HNU goes to San Rafael, CA, Friday and Saturday for the Dominican University Classic.  Both games are slated for 2pm starts.

November 2, 2007
HNU's Tip-Off Tournament Opens;

Westminster and Warner Pac Win

Oakland, CA - The Holy Names Tip-Off Tournament opened the 6pm game with Westminster College of Salt Lake winning a see-saw battle with Biola University in the final minute of play, 79-75.

Westminster's Shannon Evans and Alexis Tucker each racked up 23 points in the effort, with Evans adding 6 rebounds and a game-high 8 assists.  Biola's Megann Alberts went .500 from the floor (7/14) and pumped in 18 points, grabbed a game-high 9 rebounds with 2 assists.

In the 8pm game Holy Names' Hawks thought they were on a winning path as they left the court at half-time 13 points ahead against Warner Pacific College, but the Knights had other ideas for the second half.  HNU didn't close the game as Warner Pac rallied throughout the half to beat the Hawks 70-68.

Warner Pacific Knight Jacque Barton had a game-high 16 points, with 6 rebounds and 3 assists.  Three other Warner Pacific players were in double digits; Sally Brown (12), Danica Wison (11) and Destiny Schang (10).

HNU's Angelita Hutton led the Hawks with 14 points 4 rebounds and 2 assists.  Martha Spivey scored her first double-double for the year, sinking 10 points and capturing a game-high 14 rebounds.  Sarah Henning shared the mark of 10 points with 4 rebounds.

Tomorrow, Westminster will meet Warner Pacific at 6pm while HNU will faces Biola at 8pm.

August 17, 2007
Holy Names' Hawaiian Pipeline Offers Four to Squad

Oakland, CA - Holy Names University Women's Basketball Coach Steve Spencer announced the rest of his additions to the roster for the 2007-08 season. Included was the announcement of the signings of four student-athletes from the state of Hawaii. Jamie-Leigh Ronolo (Moanalua), Danielle Lovell (Waianae), C'ani Kealoha and Janiene Sablan (Farrington) have all signed Letters of Intent to play basketball at Holy Names for the 2007-2008 season. They join current Holy Names' players Larisa Nakasone (Roosevelt '05), Chelsie Kadota (Roosevelt '05) and Mana Camara (Kalani '06) who all hail from Honolulu.

“People ask why we have so many players from Hawaii and my first answer is because they can play. Basketball in Hawaii is huge, these players are skilled, tough and ready for the college game almost immediately,” said Spencer. “Holy Names has also done a tremendous job in recruiting from the state and there is a certain comfort level for these kids when they get here. We provide the family atmosphere that most of them are looking for. I am excited about our roster and I'm eager to get started.”

Ronolo was a 1st Team All-OIA East selection this year and was named to the HawaiiHoops.com 2007 All-State 2 nd Team. After a 3-9 regular season, Ronolo hit a game winner at the buzzer to avoid a fate deciding coin flip and grab the last spot in the OIA playoffs. From there she helped them secure a state tournament berth and led them to a 7th place finish in the tournament. Ronolo averaged 19.5 points a game in the state tournament with game highs of 22 and 23 points.

Kealoha joined Ronolo on the OIA East 1st Team and received an Honorable Mention All-State nod for the second time in her career. The 5-6 guard was also placed on the All-State team and OIA 1st Team following her sophomore season. Kealoha is widely regarded as one of the best guards and the top 3-point shooter in the OIA. She led Farrington to the most successful season in recent history losing in the quarterfinals of the state tournament to Ronolo and Moanalua 46-45.

“Jamie and C'ani are both big time players and bring tremendous experience and maturity,” said Spencer. “They are two of the best players in one of the state's most competitive leagues and they will have a major impact on our program. We are honored that they have chosen Holy Names.”

Lovell averaged over 15 points a game and was named to the OIA White 1st Team. The 5-6 guard was a 2 nd Team selection her junior year and is a 3-time Waianae team MVP.

“Danielle is not as well known but has the potential to be a real big contributor. She has a tremendous first step, a nice combination of speed and strength and is one of the best finishers I have seen,” commented Spencer. “She is going to surprise some people.”

Sablan missed the majority of her senior year with a serious knee injury but was able to come back and see the court during Farrington's state tournament run. Clarrise Barker of Oakland 's Bishop O'Dowd High school and Tracy High's Prinsess Futrell round out the program's new faces.

Holy Names open's their season November 2nd as they host Warner Pacific (OR) in the opening game of the Holy Names Tip Off Tournament. Also highlighting their schedule is a trip to the islands for the Hawaiian Holiday Classic where they will face perennial NAIA powers Easter Oregon and Lee University (TN) December 29th and 30th.

August 17, 2007
Holy Names Inks Oakland Tech's Hartfield

Oakland, CA - Holy Names University Women's Basketball Coach Steve Spencer announced the signing of Oakland Tech guard Valyncia Hartfield to a National Letter of Intent. Hartfield signed her letter in front of friends and family at her 18th birthday. She will join the women's basketball program for the 2007-08 season.

“We're excited that Valyncia decided to become a Hawk. Her experience is invaluable and her athleticism, toughness and the style of basketball she has played fits in perfectly,” said Coach Spencer.

Hartfield was a member of the first of Piedmont High School 's back to back California Division IV State Championship teams in 2004 before transferring to Oakland Tech and helping them to their second straight California Division I State Title in 2005. She then helped lead Tech to back to back Oakland Athletic League Championships in 2006 and 2007 sweeping through the league undefeated both years.

Hartfield, a team captain, started at the point guard position this past year and was named Honorable Mention All-City. Hartfield will major in Business at Holy Names with an emphasis on Marketing.

June 8, 2007
Arroyo's Henning Signs with Holy Names

Oakland, CA - Arroyo High girls basketball player Sarah Henning signed a letter-of-intent to Holy Names University in Oakland . Henning, a four-year starter for the Dons, readily accepted Holy Names' offer.  "They have a very good program, and it's a very good school," Henning said.

During the winter season, Henning averaged nine points, 10 rebounds and five blocks a game in helping Arroyo (21-7) to a single-season record for wins. The Dons became the school's first girls basketball team to win 20 or more games in a season. Arroyo reached the second round of the North Coast Section Division II playoffs, falling to Montgomery 69-50.

Arroyo coach Bruce Collett, who has coached Henning all four years at Arroyo, couldn't have been more proud of her. "She has been terrific here, both on the court as well as off the court," Collett said. "She's been one of the best leaders I've ever had here."

In early April, Holy Names coach Steve Spencer watched film of Henning from this past season and immediately contacted her. "I liked what I saw from her right away," the second-year coach said. "I was surprised that schools weren't looking at her a little seriously."

Before Holy Names came calling, Henning was set to attend Chabot College and then transfer. "I was ready to go there (Chabot) in the fall," she said. "Then when I heard they (Holy Names) were interested in me, I checked it out and really liked what they offered in terms of academics as well."

The two-time, first-team all-Hayward Area Athletic League player has a shot to make an immediate impact for the Hawks next season. "(Coach) Spencer told me that I have a chance to play right away next year, and that's going to push me even harder," she added. Spencer agreed.

"The first day of practice, everyone starts at ground zero and have to work their way up," he said. "We have a smaller team, so she'll definitely be on the floor for us."

Holy Names finished 16-15 overall and 13-3 in the Cal Pac Conference last season. In the Cal Pac Conference tournament at Cal State East Bay , the Hawks lost to Menlo in the semifinals, ending their season.

Holy Names Signs Gonzalez from Manteca

Manteca, CA - Women's Basketball Head Coach Steve Spencer announced that Manteca High shooting guard Alexandria Gonzalez has signed a letter of intent and will play at HNU next season.

Spencer had Gonzalez sign her letter of intent on the Manteca High campus. Gonzalez helped lead the Buffaloes to 24 wins this year, one of the best seasons in program history. She is widely regarded as one of the best on-ball defenders in the Valley Oak League and has been selected All VOL defensive team.

“I was nervous about signing today. I didn't want it to be an ugly signature,” Gonzalez joked afterwards. “I'm really excited. Holy Names has a good program and a coach I can learn a lot from. I took a campus visit and was really happy with the school. It's nice, small and safe. You can see the Golden Gate Bridge and down into Redwood City from the campus, it's beautiful.”

“Alex is a great fit for our program,” Spencer said. “We like to get up and down the floor and we pride ourselves on defense. A lot of our offense comes as a result of our defensive pressure. We love to press and play man-on-man. We are extremely excited to have her.”

“Alex was the hardest worker on our team every single day,” Manteca High Coach Hiatt said. “I'm proud of her, she had to work very hard to get where she's at. She had a mission that she wanted to continue her basketball career, so she stayed focused both academically and athletically, and here she is.”

Gonzalez will play both shooting guard and small forward for the Hawks. She will join Martha Spivey at Holy Names, who played at Sierra three years ago. Spivey was selected as a first team All California Pacific Conference last season for the Hawks who compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).