Photo Courtesy of Susquehanna Athletics
By Marquis Frias, Sports Editor
The Susquehanna women’s basketball team spent their winter break in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, going 2-0 with wins against Union College and Montclair State University.
The River Hawks took game one of the Puerto Rico Clasico against Union 63-44 on Thursday. Julia Pinckertt led the way with 12 points and eight rebounds, with Julia Roth following with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
After a low scoring first half, Susquehanna took a 32 to 24 heading to the locker rooms. The River Hawks went on a 14-point run early in the first quarter that fueled their scoring for the remainder of the half and resulted in the eight point lead at halftime.
The lead at halftime would stay with Susquehanna for the remainder of the second half, as the River Hawks defense only allowed Union to score 20 points in the second half.
The suffocating defense from SU held Union to shooting only 29% from the field and 7% from behind the arch for the entire game.
“We came out hot and didn’t let up the gas. We played how WE play and it showed,” junior forward Zoie Maffei said. “I’m proud of our team for sticking to what we know and playing our game.”
Maffei finished the game with 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
The River Hawks were in a closer battle against Montclair University in game 2 of the Puerto Rico Clasico, but squeezed out a 63-61 win after a game-winning layup from Julia Roth.
Susquehanna came out hot again to start the half, ending the first quarter with a 25-13 lead. This trend would continue throughout the next three quarters, but in the forth, Montclair State would come roaring back to make the contest more competitive.
However, the heroics from Roth would come in handy, as she scored seven of her 20 points in the fourth quarter including the game-winning layup.
“Our coach drew up the last play and I had a very good feeling about it. It was a great screen set by Annie and a great pass from Julia [Pinckert] and an awesome and-one by Julia Roth,” Maffei said.
The trip was a success both on the court and off the court for Susquehanna, as the team was able to enjoy their trip to Puerto Rico with team bonding activities.
“The entire team and the awesome parents that came to support us also went to Old Saint Juan and it was absolutely beautiful and such a good experience,” Maffei said.
The two wins also pushed the River Hawks’s record to 10-1, which is their best start to a season in over 40 years.
“These past two games have made the team grow together in so many ways. Playing good teams out of our conference really shows how good and solid of a team we are when we play how we know how to play,” Maffei said.
Susquehanna will be back in action in the new year when they visit Lycoming College on Wednesday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m.