30th NWWBT in Slippery Rock, PA (March 11-14, 2004)

Submitted by Hope Chafee

     The RIC Express went to the 30^th NWWBT determined to improve on their sixth place seed based on last years sixth place finish.  In their first game they faced the Orlando Ice, the team that had defeated them last year in the fifth place game. The Express stunned Orlando with a quick three point shot and a 2 point technical and never looked back.  Leading 31 to 16 at half time the Express coasted to a 55 – 40 win.  Sue Haddick led the way with 21 points. 

     The next game had RIC facing the perennial powerhouse University of Illinois.  The Express struggled early not scoring for the first six minutes of the game and losing finally 58 – 31.  Patty Cisneros had 14 points, Carlie Hoffman 8, and Sue Haddick 7. 

     The Express faced the University of Arizona next and won conclusively 68 – 35.  The Express’s balanced attack was led by Carlie Hoffman with 21, Sue Haddick with 16 and Shawna Culp, Patty Cisneros, and Kari Miller all with 9 points. 

     Next the Express had to face the always tough Minnesota Timberwolves.  Showing a balanced offense and tough defense the Express won 58 – 31 with Sue Haddick having 18 points, Carlie Hoffman 15, Shawna Culp 12, and Patty Cisneros 9. 

     In their third game of the day, the Express faced Texas.  Unfortunately the Texas team came out hot and the Express shooting turned cold.  The Express trailed 16 – 24 at half time and in spite of cutting the lead to 5 points in the second half ended up losing 49 – 33.  Sue Haddick had 11 points, Carlie Hoffman 10, and Patty Cisneros 8. 

     This loss left the RIC Express in third place their best finish ever in the Women’s National Tournament.  Patty Cisneros was voted to the second team All Tournament Team.  Patty Cisneros and Carlie Hoffman were selected for the 2004 Paralympic Women’s basketball team and Sue Haddick and Shawna Culp were named as alternates for the team.  All in all the Express had a very good year!!!