Middletown, Conn. - The Wesleyan University Women's Basketball team (5-1) defeated Rensselaer (3-5) in a close 72-69 game on Sunday afternoon thanks to Junior Brenna Diggins' double-double and career high 19 rebounds.
The two teams traded baskets to start the game, and at 7:39 left in the game it was tied 6-6. Wesleyan would then go on a run to balloon their lead to 12 at 22-10. RPI would chip away at the lead, and the first quarter ended with Wesleyan up 24-17. Junior Danielle Gervacio led Wesleyan in scoring in the quarter as she contributed seven of the Cardinals 24 points.
In the second quarter, Wesleyan held onto their lead and got it back up to 11 with 6:14 to go until halftime. RPI made a strong comeback near the end of the quarter by playing nice up-tempo offense and they were able to into the half down six at 40-36.
Freshman Sam Krumbhaar lead RPI in scoring at the half with eight points, and Sophmore Shaina Iton grabbed five boards. For Wesleyan, Diggins had 11 rebounds and seven points at the half. Gervacio lead the team in scoring at the half with 12.
In the second half things really began to pick up. Wesleyan continued to build upon their lead, but at the 4:17 mark and down by eight, RPI went on a scoring streak lead by Krumbharr, and fellow Freshman Elizabeth Eckhardt. By the time the third quarter ended, RPI had brought the Weselyan lead down to one.
The fourth quarter was full of back-and-forth action as both teams ran up and down the court looking to take control of the game. Wesleyan was able to hold onto their lead and got it back up to four, but RPI wouldn't go away, and with 5:50 left, the teams were tied at 60. Wesleyan would retake the lead on a layup by Senior Kaylie Williams, and they followed that up with a jumper by Freshman Tara Berger, which gave them a four point lead at 64-60. RPI battled back and got back to within one as Eckhardt, who finished the day with a team high 16 points, nailed a three pointer. RPI would get the lead on their next possession as Iton, who finished with 12 points, converted a layup to give RPI the 64-65 lead with 3:59 left. The two teams would continue to exchange baskets, but Berger put the Cardinals back onto with a layup with 1:17 left, and that sealed the victory for the Cardinals who went onto win 72-69.
Williams finished with 9 points and Berger finished with 13. Gervacio finished with a team high 19 points. Diggins' 19 rebounds were the most by a Cardinals player since January of 2005 when Meghan Robinson grabbed 19 vs Endicott on January 2 2005.
The Cardinals return to action on Wednesday December 7th against Rivier. Tip is at 7p.m. in Silloway Gymnasium.
