By Tim Schmitt
LEWISTON — Jaclyn Konieczka is the gritty kind of player coaches love, but few notice because of a lack of offensive punch. At 6-foot-1, she pounds inside with opposing centers and is known more for getting a hand in a passing lane than burying an outside shot.
On Sunday, however, before more than 400 fans at the Gallagher Center, the Niagara University women’s basketball senior picked a great time to have her offensive coming out party.
Konieczka, who had scored in double digits just once in her four-year career, put up 15 in the first half and finished with a game-high 21 points as the Purple Eagles shocked Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference-leading Marist with a thrilling 69-59 decision for what’s clearly the biggest win of coach Kendra Faustin’s tenure. The visiting Red Foxes (17-5 overall, 9-1) had yet to lose in conference play and brought the nation’s third-longest winning streak in at 13 games.
But Konieczka and Kayla Stroman (15 points) made big shots when it counted, handing Marist only its sixth loss in MAAC play since the 2004-05 season.
“I was just feeling it. Every chance I got when I was open, I just took it with confidence,” said Konieczka, who had 11 points in the game’s first five minutes. “And we played the best defense we ever have.”
For Niagara (7-13 overall, 4-5 MAAC), defense was a key as the Purple Eagles forced 22 Marist turnovers while giving them ball away just 14 times. And although Marist star Rachele Fitz did finish with 20 points, Konieczka, Rachele Folino and Liz Flooks gave her constant attention inside.
Meanwhile, on the offensive end, Konieczka got rolling early and the rest of the Purple Eagles followed suit, burying big shots after Marist crept back to take a 31-28 lead at halftime.
“This is what I think happened. Rachele Folino had a great game against Siena, she made a bunch of jump shots,” Faustin said. “Jackie was the only person they could play off and she did a great job making herself available. She was ready to catch and shoot. They even doubled her a little and she made great passes.”
After the intermission, Flooks buried back-to-back 3-pointers to give the Purple Eagles a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Niagara pushed the lead as high as nine midway through the second half on a 3-pointer by Ali Morris, then withstood a number of Marist runs, including one that pulled the lead to just two as Corielle Yarde buried a running jumper as the shot clock wound down.
Niagara pushed it right back up, however, as Konieczka’s layup with 1:31 left gave the hosts a 61-53 edge.
“She’s a senior and she’s wanted this for a really long time,” Faustin said of Konieczka. “She’s always handles things the right way. I can’t say enough about her as a person.”
Kayla Stroman added 15 points for Niagara while Flooks finished with 12. Aside from Fitz’s 20 points, Erica Allenspach had 15 points and Yarde added a dozen.
But the stage was clearly Konieczka’s, especially considering she came in averaging just under four points per game on the season.
“I’m a defensive player,” she said. “But this feels so amazing. I’m so excited right now.”
Even Faustin, who had a 17-63 record in three seasons prior to Sunday’s win, was humbled by the moment.
“I’m a little numb right now,” she said.
Contact sports editor Tim Schmitt at 282-2311, ext. 2266.
