Box Score
WAYNESBURG, Pa. (Jan. 29) – Freshman
Courtney Sargent racked up 20 points and pulled down 11 rebounds, nine of which came on the offensive boards, to lead the Waynesburg University women's basketball team in a 72-58 home victory against Grove City on Wednesday night.
The final result of the game wasn't decided until the Yellow Jackets (10-8, 8-3) pulled away from the Wolverines (4-13, 3-8) in the second half, thanks in large part to a fantastic free throw effort down the stretch. Waynesburg also stepped up on the defensive end to force Grove City into 23 turnovers.
The home team gained its first lead of the night when junior guard
Hayden Giuliani knocked down a three-point shot at the 16:48 mark of the first half. Grove City quickly regained the advantage and kept it until the 8:01 mark when Waynesburg freshman
Katie Gehlmann connected on a fast break layup to make the score 17-16. The Jackets maintained its advantage for the remainder of the first half, and went ahead by as many as six points on multiple occasions, before settling for a 29-26 edge at the halftime break.
Grove City jumped back ahead of its Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) rival (30-29) with back-to-back baskets to begin the second half. It was the last time the Wolverines led for the remainder of the contest. The Yellow Jackets answered back by scoring 12 of the next 15 points to take a 41-33 lead.
The Orange and Black pushed its lead to double figures (45-35) when Giuliani connected on another three-point field goal at the 14:11 mark. The Wolverines pulled to within eight points of the eventual victors (62-54) with a layup at the 2:46 mark. After that field goal, the Jackets converted 10-of-12 free throws to seal up the win, including a six-for-six effort from Gehlmann. Waynesburg converted 24-of-35 free throws (68.6 percent) on the night, including a 21-of-27 effort in the second half.
As they have done since PAC play began, the Jackets pieced together a balanced offensive effort featuring multiple double-digit scorers. Giuliani (14 points) and Gehlmann (10 points) joined Sargent as individuals with at least 10 points in the win. Sophomore guard
Lauren Blair dished out a game-high four assists.
The win was the fourth in the past five games for the Jackets. Waynesburg is back in action when they host undefeated and nationally-ranked Thomas More on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 1:30 p.m.
