By Anthony Heller
SELINSGROVE, Pa.- Susquehanna Women’s Basketball stood strong against No. 4 Scranton through three-quarters of action at O. W. Houts Gymnasium but were outscored 22-3 in the final 10 minutes. The score fell to 56-36, marking the River Hawks’ second defeat in a row.
The River Hawks fought valiantly through the first three quarters, coming within one point of the Royals at the end of the third quarter. They were led in scoring by Kaitlyn Lynch, who was second among all scorers with 15, shooting 4-11 from the field and making a pair of threes.
The Royals were led by Kaci Kranson, who scored sixteen, with Maddy Ryan and Bridget Monaghan also in double figures with 13 apiece. Ryan and Kranson both posted double-doubles, Ryan leading the way with 12 rebounds. Graduate student Olivia Brandt led the River Hawks with 11 boards, all defensive.
Susquehanna shot 27.3% from the field in the defeat, including a 1-11 output in the fourth. The Royals’ clip was not much better, shooting 28.4% from the field, but they gained an unassailable advantage on the offensive glass, pulling down 17 of their own misses compared to just three for the hosts.
The River Hawks also suffered many empty possessions by way of turnover, losing possession 25 times. Scranton picked up 14 steals, led by Ryan with four, as all five starters managed at least two. They also held Gabby Holko’s side just eight takeaways on the night.
The dynamic first-year duo Julia Pinckert and Julia Roth combined for an uncharacteristic six points. Pinckert hit a pair of early threes while Roth was held scoreless for the first time in her collegiate career. The team’s top rebounder was held to just four as she fouled out midway through the fourth quarter.
The defeat leaves Susquehanna 7-13 on the season as Scranton improves to 20-0. SU will host Drew on Alumni Day.
