Washington & Jefferson 84, Franciscan 55
Franciscan Starters
Sophie LaRose, Kimberly McDaniels, Jazzlyn Melnyk, Felicia MacGillivray, Lauren Arena
Washington & Jefferson Starters
Victoria Koeck, Sarah Berardelli, Kamryn Lach, Piper Morningstar, Meghan Dryburgh
How It Happened
The Lady Barons had their first game of 2022 at home on Thursday night against the PAC leader, Washington & Jefferson. The Presidents would hold onto their undefeated conference mark, as they won 84-55.
Both teams came out of the gate slow, as Franciscan held a 4-1 lead with five minutes left in the quarter. Franciscan would hold the lead until the 2:24 mark when Washington and Jefferson tied it up at 6-6. The Presidents would heat up late, as a 5-0 run would give them a four point lead at 12-8 at the end of the first quarter.
Franciscan would tie it up at 12-12, thanks to a made jumper by Natalie Conner and a pair of makes at the line by Jazzlyn Melnyk. The Presidents would show off their offense, as an 18-0 run would ensue while Franciscan struggled with their full-court pressure. Felicia MacGillivray would end the run by making her first three pointer of the night to set the score at 30-15. MacGillivray would add another one from deep and three made free throws done the stretch to set the score at 41-25 heading into halftime.
Sophie LaRose opened up the second half with a made three pointer for Franciscan. MacGillivray would make another to give her three made three pointers on the night on five attempts. The Presidents would be able to add to the lead, as they scored 24 points in the quarter. Lauren Arena would add her first three pointer of the night in the final minute to send us to the fourth trailing 65-38.
Franciscan would not quit, as they started the fourth on a 6-2 run. Kimberly McDaniels made a pair of buckets during the run. Action would be back and forth for the hard fought final quarter. Ilena Gonzales would add a three pointer late in the quarter, and Ashley Benson would convert a pair of free throws, as the Lady Barons would fall 84-55.
Inside the Numbers
- MacGillivray led Franciscan with 13 points with three made three point field goals.
- Melnyk had a near double double with nine points and a team high 11 rebounds.
- 12 different players scored for Washington and Jefferson.
- Melnyk also added a team high five assists and two steals.
- Franciscan out-rebounded their opponent 43-37.
Up Next
Franciscan's next game was originally schedule to be on Saturday against St. Vincent, but that game has been postponed and moved to January 31st. Franciscan will return to action on Monday January 10th, as they travel to Westminster to makeup the game that was originally scheduled for January 4th. Franciscan is in search of their first win against Westminster, as they are 0-2 thus far in previous matchups. The Titans have started out slow this season as they are 4-5 with a 1-2 PAC record.
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