Sightseeing in Rome and Winning the Europe Finale

8/19/2018 7:12:00 PM | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

After checking out the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, DePaul defeats Roma 102-43

ROME – Coach Doug Bruno and the women's basketball team are on an 11-day trip to France and Italy which will include experiencing world-class sightseeing in Paris and Rome.

The Blue Demons will also walk in the footsteps of St. Vincent de Paul in Paris, visit Omaha Beach where Allied forces commenced the D-Day campaign in World War II and play three games against club teams from France and Italy.

DePaul student-athletes will share with us each day their thoughts and feelings on their encounters and discoveries during this incredible journey.

(8/19/2018) WBB Europe Tour: Day 8

On Sunday, the Blue Demons attended Mass at Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterno. They visited some famous sites in Rome such as the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the renowned Spanish Steps.

At night, they played their third and final game in the Rome suburb of Fonte Roma Eur and emerged with a 102-43 victory to go undefeated in Europe.

The Blue Demons scored 63 points in the second and third quarters, leading 55-25 at halftime and 87-44 heading into the fourth quarter.

Mart'e Grays topped the scoring parade with 17 points along with five rebounds. Jolene Daninger had her best game of the trip with 16 points and Kelly Campbell finished with 13 points, six rebounds, five steals and four assists.

Freshman Sonya Morris had her high-point game of the trip with 13 and classmate Lexi Held had her best game with 11 points. Rebekah Dahlman led the team with nine rebounds.

Grays compiled a total of 46 points and 22 rebounds in the three games while Dahlman came away with 33 points, 27 rebounds, 16 assists and nine steals.

Chante Stonewall recorded 33 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists and eight steals while Kelly Campbell finished with 29 points, 17 rebounds, 12 assists and 13 steals. Dee Bekelja scored 29 points and Ashton Millender 25.

Here is Sunday report from All-BIG EAST First Team junior Kelly Campbell.

Today was our first day exploring Rome and it did not disappoint. We started off the day by taking the metro to downtown Rome where we began our walking tour at the Spanish Steps. They were beautiful, and it was sunny and 85 degrees outside.

We learned the Spanish Steps were named that because they were built to link the Trinita dei Monti church that was under the patronage of the King of France with the Spanish stairs below.

Next we saw the Trevi Fountain and wished for our luggage to arrive (kidding---kinda). We made our way from the Trevi Fountain to the Piazza Navona where we saw more incredible architecture before having lunch.

We ate in groups, and my group chose to eat at a restaurant named Cybo. There was such an abundance of pizzerias and restaurants in the Piazza Navona that it was nearly impossible to choose one.

My group got either pizza or pasta and let me tell you, the food here is unreal! I've never been a huge fan of pasta, but it is amazing here and I can't get enough of it! Not only is the food great, but it is super affordable, too.

After lunch, we made our way to the Pantheon. It was super cool to see, and the entrance line wasn't long at all. We learned that the original marble on the floor of the Pantheon still remains which was incredible to see.

After the Pantheon, we took the bus back to the hotel to rest up for our last game here in Europe.

We won our final game against Roma 102-43. It was a great team win with everyone contributing in many ways.

I am so glad our team was able to have this Europe experience together not only for bonding, but also our first chance to play together. I'm excited to spend the next couple days in Italy then get back to work in Chicago.

I can't wait to see what's in store for this team!