Gray slow to become Knapp's No. 3 scorer

Three weeks ago, the Quakers thought they had finally found a third offensive threat to complement senior standouts Monica Naltner and Joey Rhoads.

Ashley Gray stormed onto the scene in mid-January. She exploded for 21 points and eight rebounds against Columbia in just her second game off of the ineligible list, and three nights later ranked second for the Quakers with 12 points and six rebounds.

The Quakers won both of those games, and it seemed as if Gray had instantly become an integral part of the rejuvenated offense.

Yet she has hardly struck fear in opponents since then. Over the past three games, she has averaged 4.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game - numbers strikingly close to her career averages.

In the Quakers' best weekend in nearly two years, Gray scored five points. Three were on intentional fouls in the final two minutes.

But coach Pat Knapp was not concerned.

"Ashley had the chance to score more in [Saturday's] game, she just mishandled the ball a couple of times," he said. "I think she'll be a big help this weekend."

Even if her first two games were an aberration, however, the Quakers' offense is still more dynamic than earlier in the season. Everybody moved the ball well this weekend, and players such as Kelly Scott and Carrie Biemer had an impact off the bench.

Knapp also complimented the play of Caitlin Slover, Katarina Lackner and Kim Franklin, even though they combined for just one point.

And for now, after winning two conference games in 24 hours, Knapp sees no need to alter anybody's role.

"We're not looking to change any lineups at this point in time," he said.

Rest for the Weary. The Quakers might be on fire, but Knapp does not regret that they can't build on their momentum sooner. They don't play again until they travel to Harvard and Dartmouth this weekend.

"We need the week" off, Knapp said assertively.

After seeing his team grab a season-high 45 rebounds on Friday and 37 against a strong rebounding team on Saturday, Knapp does not want to back down.

This week he will continue to focus on boxing out -- although he said "we cut out a couple of the eighth-grade drills" - as well as halfcourt defensive position, and transition defense.

"For some reason, we get lax with that stuff," he said. "We have to practice every day to eliminate it, we really truly do."

Rhoads to the Title. For two years, Joey Rhoads has led the Quakers offensively. Never were her accomplishments more important than this weekend.

On Monday, both the Ivy League and the Big 5 recognized her performance by naming her Player of the Week.

She finished tied for second in the Ivies with 46 points this weekend, shooting 56 percent. She was clutch from deep, sinking six of 11 attempts, and she hustled to pick up a career-high five steals on Friday.

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