By Andrew Snyder, Staff Writer
The Susquehanna women’s basketball team (6-18, 3-11) failed to end the season on a winning note, as they fell to conference-rival Juniata (10-15, 8-6) 69–54 on Feb. 17 at the Memorial Gymnasium in Huntingdon, Pa.
Juniata freshman Gracie Stauffer led all players with 21 points on eight-of-15 shooting while recording 11 rebounds to complete a double-double.
For Susquehanna, freshman guard Sadie Comfort led the way with 15 points while playing all 40 minutes. Freshman forward Olivia Brandt dropped in 11 points and five rebounds as well.
Turnovers plagued the River Hawks early in the first quarter and a three-pointer from Juniata’s Cassie Mock gave the Golden Eagles a 9–5 lead late in the first quarter. Susquehanna found their footing on both sides of the ball though, and three-pointers from Comfort and Brandt put the River Hawks ahead 11–9 heading into the second quarter.
Hot shooting from beyond the arc led to an early second quarter run by Juniata, putting them ahead 18–13 with seven minutes left in the half.
Susquehanna battled back, coming within two points of the lead on Comfort three-pointer with less than a minute left in the period. A last-second layup by sophomore forward Alana Connolly knotted the game at 28–28 heading into halftime.
The second half began with a back-and-forth affair, as the teams traded baskets to stay tied 36–36 with a little more than six minutes left in third.
Juniata began to pull away later in the period. A three-pointer from Megan Haines gave Juniata a seven-point advantage at the 3:38 mark.
Susquehanna refused to go away, as a another three from Comfort pulled Susquehanna to within three points of the lead with one quarter left to play.
Stauffer took over early in the fourth, however, as she completed a three-point play and knocked down two free throws on the ensuing Juniata possession to give Juniata a 53–45 lead.
Susquehanna was unable to muster much offense late in the game, losing by the final of 69–54. Following the end of their season, Susquehanna will say goodbye to three seniors; guard Bailey Trell, center Haley Timko, and forward Haley Lusby.
After a rough 2018-19 season, the women will look to regroup and compete for a Landmark Conference title next year