When classes came to a close on Dec. 17 the women's basketball team was the owner of a 6-2 record, but the Christmas season was filled with gifts because the team ran its record to 10-4 while students were away.

Notre Dame 50, Marquette 47

Jacqueline Batteast hit a 3-pointer when the clock expired to give the Fighting Irish the victory. Batteast's 3-point basket — the only one of the day for the team — overshadowed the efforts of Marquette sophomore forward Christina Quaye, who ended with 20 points and eight rebounds.

Game Quote: "It was heartbreaking, especially because it was on a last second shot that Batteast hit. All of us came into the locker room shocked because we tied the game and then Batteast hit the shot at the end." — Junior point guard Carolyn Kieger

Marquette 78, St. Bonaventure 49

Kieger led a group of five players that scored in double figures, and the Golden Eagles began a new home winning streak. The team capitalized on turnovers, scoring 23 points off St. Bonaventure slip-ups.

Game Quote: "This was a game where we showed a lot of maturity coming off of the Notre Dame game, and it was the night before Christmas break. It was a total team effort, and we focused for the hour and a half we were there." — Head coach Terri Mitchell.

Mississippi 80, Marquette 66, Surf 'n' Slam Classic in San Diego

A career high 26 points from Quaye, 25 of which came in the second half, were not enough for the Golden Eagles. Mississippi controlled the boards and earned 20 offensive rebounds.

Game Quote: "They went into a 3-2 and trapped us for five minutes on early in the games. It was a game where we gave up too many offensive rebounds. We were all upset after the game because it didn't seem we put forth our best effort." — Mitchell

Marquette 85, San Diego 74, Surf 'n' Slam Classic in San Diego

Quaye had another big day. She ended the game with 19 points this time to help the Golden Eagles pick up the victory in the consolation game of the tournament.

Game Quote: "Christina is to the point where she is so confident. She is a low-block threat, she's looking to score, and for me it's reassuring to have that threat I can always look to. I think overall it has picked up the play of the guards as well because teams focus on her." — Kieger

Marquette 63, Penn State 51

Penn State came out of the gate and scored 32 points in the first half, but the Golden Eagles adjusted well and limited the Nittany Lions to 19 points in the second half. Quaye continued her good spell with 20 points and 12 rebounds.

Game Quote: "I know that our staff prepares the team extremely well. My assistants do an awesome job with scouting. We've gone to halftime down before and we fine- tune at half time." — Mitchell

Marquette 63, DePaul 57

The Golden Eagles earned their third straight victory over the Blue Demons. They trailed at halftime but managed to come back for the win. Senior Leslie Juedes scored a career high 21 points and connected on five of nine 3-pointers.

Game Quote: "I think our non-conference schedule did a great job of preparing us for the conference opener. Mentally and physically we have gotten stronger. The best thing we can do is build upon that victory to the next." — Mitchell

This article appeared in The Marquette Tribune on Jan. 18 2005.