Hawks’ Victory Highlights Young Talent and Team Spirit
In an exciting match, Saint Joseph’s women’s basketball held off a determined Cincinnati team, winning 70-65. The victory marked another step forward for the Hawks, keeping them unbeaten this season.
Game Summary
The first quarter kicked off with Faith Stinson sinking a 3-pointer, giving the Hawks an early edge. However, the Bearcats quickly fired back with a 6-0 run. The teams exchanged points, but after a scoring drought for four minutes, Saint Joseph’s ended the quarter trailing just 13-11.
In the second quarter, Cincinnati surged ahead 20-13, prompting a timeout from Coach Cindy Griffin. The Hawks rallied, with Gabby Casey igniting an 8-0 run to reclaim the lead. A late three-pointer from Emily Knouse closed the half with the Hawks down by just one, 32-31.
The momentum shifted in the third quarter as Saint Joseph’s pulled ahead with a 41-34 lead. Another strong run closed the quarter, ending with the Hawks up 53-42.
The final quarter saw Cincinnati surge back, narrowing the gap to just two points. But Aleah Snead and Knouse stepped up, combining for ten points to maintain the lead. With the final seconds ticking down, Rhian Stokes sealed the game with key free throws, underscoring the Hawks’ tenacity.
Player Highlights
- Aleah Snead led the Hawks with 19 points, showing her toughness in the fourth quarter, where she scored nine critical points.
- Emily Knouse, a freshman, added 17 points and showcased her shooting ability with five three-pointers. This places her among the top-performing freshmen in the program’s history.
- Gabby Casey contributed 10 points and led with nine rebounds, demonstrating her all-around skills.
Saint Joseph’s has a remarkable record when multiple players score in double figures, winning their last 22 games under these conditions. They played well defensively, limiting Cincinnati to below their average score, while the Hawks maintained a solid shooting percentage throughout the game.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
This win adds to the spirit and pride of Saint Joseph’s, especially with Coach Cindy Griffin achieving her 425th career win. The team’s consistent performance in November has become a trend, boasting a 20-1 record in the month over the past two seasons.
As they prepare for their next matchup against Penn State on November 16, the Hawks look to continue this momentum. With a blend of youth and experienced players, expectations are high for this season.
In conclusion, the strength shown in this game reflects not just individual talent but a cohesive team effort. As they face tougher opponents ahead, the Hawks’ current form suggests they are ready to rise to the challenge.
For more insights on this season’s performance, you can check NCAA statistics here.
