Box Score
NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. (Jan. 25) – The Waynesburg University women's basketball team led by as many as six points in the second half of their Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) game with Westminster on Wednesday night, but the Titans battled back to steal a 68-66 victory.
After winning 11 games in a 12 games stretch, the Yellow Jackets have now lost consecutive two-point decisions. Waynesburg led by two (66-64) with just over a minute and a half to play in the contest. Unfortunately, the Titans made two clutch baskets, including a jumper as time expired to seal the 68-66 victory. With the loss, Waynesburg is now 13-5 on the year and 8-3 in Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) play. Westminster improves to 5-12 overall and 5-6 in conference action.
The Jackets trailed by as many as 11 in the first half, cutting the Titans lead to seven (40-33) at the half. However, after trailing for almost the entire first period, the visitors were quickly able to cut into the Westminster lead in the opening minutes of the second half, tying the game at 48-48 with 13 minutes to play.
A few minutes later, the Jackets' chances for victory were dealt a serious blow as standout senior point guard
Hannah Hunter fouled out with 1:49 remaining. Without Hunter running the point, the Jackets failed to score a field goal in the last 04:51, culminating in the Titans tying the game at 66-66 with just 41 seconds to play. The Jackets failed to answer offensively, giving the home team one last chance.
Unfortunately for Waynesburg, the Titans capitalized upon that opportunity, with Jenn Cantella sinking a jumper as time expired to give Westminster the win.
Though the loss was a tough one to swallow, there was a little something for the Jackets to celebrate as Hunter became the newest member of Waynesburg's 1,000-point club. With her 18 points, Hunter now has 1,003 for her Jacket career and is the first Waynesburg women's hoopster to reach the mark since
Elisha Jones did so last season. Along with her millenial point, Hunter also dished out her 400th career assist, while passing out two helpers.
Junior guard
Jessi Drayer led the Jackets with a game-high 23 points on seven-of-17 shooting.
Westminster was powered by sophomore guard Gabby Holka's 14 points. Holka was one of four Titan's to score in double-digits.
Waynesburg will have to regroup and recover quickly, as they return to the court on Saturday, Jan. 28 to host Geneva at the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
