By Mel Greenberg
PHILADELPHIA _ Picked for eighth place in the Colonial Athletic Association, Drexel is putting Denise Dillon in contention for another conference coach of the year award.
The Dragons won their ninth straight, Sunday afternoon, beating UNC Wilmington, 63-50, in a CAA game at the Daskalakis Athletic Center.
It was Drexel's ninth straight triumph, matching the program's second highest streak set in the 1986-87 season. The Dragons's all-time victory run was at 16 games in the 1989-90 season.
Off to their best start in-conference since joining the CAA for 2000-01, the Dragons (10-6, 5-0 CAA) are now locked in a three-way tie for first with overwhelming favorite and nationally-ranked Old Dominion along with Twoson.
Drexel can make it at least a two-way tie when the Dragons visit Towson outside of Baltimore on Thursday night.
Junior Nicole Hester led the way in this one with a game-high 16 points and also set a career record with eight assists.
Early in the season, Hester received the CAA's most inspirational award for battling hodgkin's lymphoma that kept her sidelined a yer ago,
Almost back to the form of her sophomore season, Hester could be in line for a few more honors when postseason trophies are handed out.
Drexel's developed perimeter attack was a key to beating the Seahawks (10-6, 1-4) as the Dragons connected on 11-of-25 three-pointers from beyond the arc.
Gabriela Marginean added 15 points, including 10 in the second half. Narissa Suber scored all 10 of her points in the second half.
"I think we set the tempo, defensively," Dillon said. "That was our plan going into the game and I think our players responded very well on defense.
"Delise Johnson came up big for us on defense. She did a good job matching up against their best player and setting the tone on defense."
Alison Lupariello nailed three of four three-pointers off the bench.
"I told our players coming into the game that whichever team comes up with the most hustle plays will come out with the win and I feel that the girls did what was necessary to come up with the loose balls," Dillon said. "Making those hustle plays was key.
"I think we can continue to be successful as long as we stick to the game plan and play as a team."
-- Mel
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