WAYNESBURG, Pa. (Nov. 21) – The Waynesburg University women's basketball team hosted Bridgewater (Va.) for its home opener at the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse on Tuesday night. The Yellow Jackets built up a big fourth-quarter lead then held on for a 76-72 victory.
 
Waynesburg (1-2) featured a balanced offensive attack as it picked up its first win of the 2017-18 season. The Jackets were paced by seniors Rachel Eng and Addy Knetzer, who tied for the team lead with 15 points each. Junior point guard Monica Starre added 12 points to the winning effort. She also pulled down a game-high eight rebounds and dished out a contest-best eight assists.
 
Sophomore Erin Joyce added nine points on the evening, while senior Mackenna Drazich chipped in eight to the victory. Freshman Kerri Bungard came off the bench to score seven points.
 
Waynesburg's passing skills played a big role in the win. The home team racked up 19 assists, while holding Bridgewater to eight helpers.
 
Things started slowly for Waynesburg, as Bridgewater (!-3) built a 16-12 lead by the end of the first quarter. Things turned to the Jackets' favor in period two and by the time halftime came around, they held a 30-25 advantage.
 
Both offenses found their rhythm in the third quarter, which was won the by Jackets 31-23. The home team shot 62 percent from the floor in the period (11-of-18) and four-for-six from three-point range. They also knocked down five-of-seven free throw attempts, piled up 10 assists and committed just one turnover.
 
By the time the fourth quarter started, Waynesburg held a 61-48 lead. That advantage grew to 72-55 with 4:09 left to play, but the Eagles put up one last run to pull off an improbable comeback. Bridgewater ended the night on a 17-4 surge before the final seconds ran off the clock.
 
Waynesburg plays its second-straight game at home on Saturday, Nov. 25, when Hiram comes to town. Tipoff with the Terriers is scheduled for 2 p.m.