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Sportsmanship reigns in Swarthmore-Bryn Mawr game

By Mark Anskis
For NCAA.org

Injured Swarthmore senior Ceylan Bodur reached the 1,000-point mark for her career by scoring an uncontested layup to start Wednesday night’s game against Bryn Mawr.

The scene was reminiscent of a 1998 Connecticut-Villanova women’s basketball game in which injured Huskies senior Nykesha Sales was allowed to score an uncontested basket at the beginning of the contest to become her school’s all-time leading scorer.

The special and sportsmanlike moment came in Swarthmore’s designated “Pink Zone” game to support breast-cancer awareness. Adding to the aura were school Presidents Rebecca Chopp of Swarthmore and Jane McAuliff of Bryn Mawr, who served as honorary coaches of their respective teams to show collective support for the breast-cancer cause.

Bodur, who entered the game with 999 career points after suffering a career-ending knee injury in a Jan. 29 victory over Gettysburg, scored an uncontested layup after the tip-off to become just the eighth player in program history to reach the 1,000-point plateau.

After Bodur’s layup, Bryn Mawr’s Callie Jensen scored one of her own to make the score 2-2 with 19:43 on the clock. Swarthmore then called a timeout, subbing out its four senior starters, who walked hand-in-hand with Bodur off the court.

“I’m really glad that I got to step on the court one last time and finish my career at Swarthmore on such a positive note,” Bodur said. “I also really want to thank Bryn Mawr and my coach for making this possible.”

Swarthmore went on to win the contest, 73-44. As part of the Pink Zone promotion, fans pledged to donate money for every Garnet three-pointer made. Swarthmore finished the game with 12.

Chopp and McAuliff sat on the benches of their respective schools for the entire game and took part in a halftime ceremony that honored those affected by breast cancer.

“This was a great opportunity to support our teams and also raise awareness for breast cancer,” said Swarthmore President Chopp.

Bryn Mawr President McAuliff added, “It’s a way for us to support two terrific teams, but to do so in the context of supporting breast cancer awareness makes this extra special.”

Mark Anskis is the sports information director at Swarthmore College.