By Anthony Heller
SELINSGROVE, Pa.- Susquehanna Women’s Basketball put Drew to the sword on Saturday as they celebrated Alumni Day at O.W. Houts Gymnasium. They exploded to 45 points in the first half, and their 85 points on the night were the program’s highest since an 88-81 win over Juniata back in 2016.
The River Hawks were led by first-year Julia Roth’s career high of 25 points, as the forward shot an incredible 11-12 from the field and added three of four free throws in just 20 minutes. Kaitlyn Lynch also added 23 of her own, shooting 9-12 from the field. She took over the game during a 16-0 River Hawk run in the second quarter, propelling them to a huge half-time advantage of 24 points. They would stretch that lead to as high as 35 points, going ahead 77-42 in the fourth quarter after Olivia Brandt’s layup.
The River Hawks shot better than they have done all season, making 34 of 57 attempts from the field, a clip of 59.6%, and shot 40% from three at 8-20. Brandt joined Roth and Lynch in double figures with 12 points, while Julia Pinckert added nine assists and eight rebounds. Pinckert’s nine assists are the second-most she’s managed in a game this season, as she tied the school single-game record of 11 in November at King’s.
Drew was led by Joey Meyers, who scored 22 points. She scored 34 points in Madison, and the River Hawks found her difficult to defend. She finished third among all scorers in the defeat. Meyers also led all players with nine rebounds.
Drew gathered 17 offensive rebounds to Susquehanna’s eight, although the players rebounded at a very similar rate on the offensive glass. Susquehanna picked up 30 defensive rebounds to Drew’s 16.
Roth’s 25 points are more than any current member of the squad has ever managed in a single game, with Lynch’s 23 one solitary shy of her best in a River Hawk uniform.
The River Hawks travel next to rivals Juniata before they host Catholic next weekend on Senior Day. They finish their season at home by hosting Goucher and finish up at Moravian in two weeks. The win is their best offensive performance of the season, and it brings them to 8-13 on the year.
