Photo by Logan Moyer, Sports Editor
By Matt Guear
Efficient shooting from the field and aggressive defense was the difference as the fourth-seeded Susquehanna River Hawks (18-8) handily defeated the fifth-seeded Drew Rangers (10-16) 75-52 at O.W. Houts Gymnasium on Tuesday in the Landmark Conference quarterfinals.
The win marked Susquehanna’s first playoff win since 1999, something that head coach Gabby Holko couldn’t be happier about it.
“I’m super proud of our girls,” Holko said. “They work their butts off every single day.”
The River Hawks shot 53% from the field in the first half and 44% for the entire game. The Rangers shot only 31%. From deep, Susquehanna shot 58% from three-point range while Drew didn’t make a three until the third quarter, shooting a combined 8% from beyond the arc.
Sophomore forward Julia Roth led the River Hawks with 13 points, tacking on three steals as well.
Sophomore forward Carly George and sophomore guard Julia Pinckert followed Roth in scoring with 12 each. George also led the team with 10 rebounds.
Graduate student guard Kaitlyn Lynch contributed to the winning effort with seven points, five rebounds and one assist. With Lynch being the longest-tenured player on the squad, this win meant a lot.
“It’s exciting,” Lynch said. “It’s been a long time coming.”
The River Hawks were able to move the ball around the floor effectively throughout the game, which ultimately paid dividends.
“We played team basketball,” said Holko. “We had 14 assists on 27 field goals. We shot the ball extremely well. In the first half, we were shooting 55% from the floor. That’s a pretty good feeling for the kids to get confidence.”
Drew took a 1-0 lead only 16 seconds into the first half after senior forward Jamie Struble was fouled by George and made one of the two free throws she was awarded.
The River Hawks immediately stormed down the court and Roth made a layup to take a 2-1 lead. Susquehanna never relinquished that lead.
Susquehanna seemingly had the game in hand almost as quickly as it began, going up by as many as 27 in the third quarter.
Not only did Susquehanna capture its first playoff win since 1999, but everybody was also able to contribute.
“It’s awesome that we were able to get everybody in for significant minutes,” said Holko. “They were able to go in and produce.”
Now, the River Hawks head to Washington D.C. on Thursday to take on first-seeded Catholic. They played Catholic tough in their two meetings this season but ultimately succumbed both times to the Cardinals.
“We need to play with confidence and with a little bit of a chip on our shoulder,” said Lynch. “We were so close last time and that just proves we can play right there with them.”
That underdog mentality is exactly what Holko believes her team needs to harness for them to finally conquer Catholic.
“I’m excited for what’s to come with this group. I think we are able to go down there and cause some chaos,” Holko said. “We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. This group has gone far already this season but were not done yet and heading down to D.C. is just the first step.”