Gannon University Athletics

Gannon 92, Fairmont State 65

(ERIE, PA)---Top-ranked Gannon (34-0) closed the opening half with a resounding 36-10 run to eliminate Fairmont State (22-10) 92-65 in an opening round NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional contest.

The defeat spoiled a fantastic effort by Falcon senior guard Ashley Vavrek during her final collegiate contest. The Bellaire, OH native poured in a game-high 39 points on 14 of 23 shooting. Vavrek also hit on 8-for-13 from long range, the second highest made three-pointer total in a Division II women's post-season game.

However, it was Gannon's balanced attack that carried the day. Carrie Nolan led the Golden Knights with 27 points, Brittany Tabron added 19, and Kim Vargas ended with 16.

Gannon also owned a massive 49-23 rebounding edge. Tabron ripped down a game-high 15 boards, including nine of the offensive variety. Kristina Freeman chipped in 13 rebounds to go with 9 points..

FSU, the WVIAC Tournament champion, was within 14-13 midway through the first half. Gannon then ripped off eight straight points to push the edge to 22-13.

The lead grew reached double digits at 26-16 at the 6:48 mark when a 14-1 spurt broke the contest open.

Fairmont State, which trailed 50-23 at intermission, closed to within 71-53 with 8:15 to play. However, that was as close as the Falcons could get.

Rachel Murray and Kaitlin Snyder added 7 points each for the Falcons. Murray also grabbed a team-best 8 rebounds for FSU.

Gannon faces Seton Hill or Fayetteville State in Saturday's 7:00 p.m. regional semifinal.