COLIN HART
Special to The Leader
Reaching 1,000 career points is quite an achievement, but senior point guard Jacquelyn Law is not one to put personal accomplishments above the goals of the team. Nevertheless, this is a milestone that puts her in rare company and cannot be overlooked.
“Jacque is one of the hardest working and most determined athletes I’ve ever coached,” said Linda Hill-MacDonald, head coach of the women’s basketball team. “She brings the same level of intensity every day. Even when she was a freshman, she was just as determined as she is now. Her work ethic hasn’t changed.”
Coming in to the road matchup against Buffalo State on Jan. 27, Law only needed nine points to reach 1,000 for her career. With family members and a former high school coach in attendance, she didn’t let nerves get the better of her, finishing with 20 points and helping the Blue Devils pick up a much-needed victory.
“It wasn’t like I set it as a long-term goal when I got to Fredonia,” said Law. “But after I got it, it was definitely a weight off my shoulders. I’m more relaxed now. It’s crazy to be recognized within a group of women who have done that, and now I get to be a part of it.”
In fact, Law is continuing to move up the Fredonia record books, finding herself among the all-time leaders in total scoring and free throws made. But for Law, that’s just a backburner — the focus remains on the playoffs and, more importantly, taking things one game at a time.
“It’s more of just making sure the little things are done right so the big things happen,” said Law. “If we rebound more, we’ll get more possessions — stuff like that. Another thing we’re working on is consistency from quarter to quarter.”
Coach MacDonald shared a similar outlook. She is proud of the hard work the team has been putting in and knows that the little things — fundamentals and team chemistry — can go a long way toward fixing inconsistencies.
Despite going 0-3 over the past week, the Blue Devils still find themselves in SUNYAC contention. They currently sit sixth in the standings with a conference record of 6-9.
Coming off a tough loss to Brockport on Jan. 30, the Blue Devils fell by a score of 57-43 to Oneonta at home last Friday. A closely contested first half saw many lead changes, but Oneonta took control with a 17-3 run to start the third quarter. Junior forward Jenna Einink had a double-double (14 points and 10 rebounds) in the loss while Law finished with 13 points.
On Saturday, the Blue Devils once again played at home, this time losing to New Paltz by a margin of 43-61. The Devils struggled from the floor, making only one three-pointer and shooting 27 percent overall. Law, who was recognized for her 1,000-point milestone prior to the game, led the team with 13 points. Sophomore guard Anna Chiacchia added 10.
Despite their current slump, the Fredonia women still hold a one-game-advantage over Buffalo State and Plattsburgh for the final playoff spot. With only three games left, the Blue Devils essentially control their own destiny.
“We still have a lot of basketball to play,” said Law. “Being a senior, you don’t want to stop because it’s the last time.”
Their next opportunity to bounce back will be Feb. 9, when they go on the road to face Cortland (10-4).