WAYNE, NJ- The New Paltz women’s basketball team opened the William Paterson Tournament against Susquehanna with a 73-55 defeat.The Hawks forced 19 turnovers and had 10 steals as a team.The Hawks fall to 5-2 overall and will play Union in the consolation game Sunday at 1 p.m.
Seniors Carly Minehan and Maggie Farrell led the Hawks with 13 points a piece and Minehan grabbed eight rebounds and Farrell grabbed six boards and had two steals. Senior Kristen Caban added seven points and sophomore Caitlin Irwin chipped in with five points and a game-high five steals. Senior Nicole Sarcone had a game-high seven assists and had three points.
Ashley Watkins led Susquehanna with a game-high 23 points and Jessica Zigarelli added a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Samantha Cartwright and Samantha Pelletier each chipped in with 10 points a piece, while Cartwright grabbed eight boards and Pelletier grabbing five. Susquehanna improves to 6-5 overall and will play William Paterson in the championship game at 3 p.m.
The teams battled back-and-forth through the first part of the first half. With Susquehanna holding a 19-13 lead with 8:34 remaining in the half, the Hawks used a 9-2 run to take a 22-21 lead with 6:17 left. Susquehanna was able to end the half on a 12-3 run to go into the break with a 33-25 advantage.
In the second half, the Hawks cut the lead to 45-42 with 11:13 left in the game, but Susquehanna went on a 7-1 run to take a 52-43 lead with 7:24 remaining. The Hawks were able to pull within six at 52-46 with 5:10 to go, but Susquehanna stopped the attack of the Hawks to pull away for the victory.
