WBB Slowed by Conn in Crosstown Matchup

NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Mitchell College women's basketball team saw their three game winning streak come to an end Tuesday night, falling to crosstown rival Connecticut College 64-56 in non-conference play at the Luce Field House.

Senior Dede Stevenson (Hartford, Conn.) paced the Mariners, scoring a game-high 22 points. Fellow senior Sam McKenna (Millbrook, N.Y.) chipped in 12 points and six steals, while Amina Wiley (New Rochelle, N.Y.) finished with 10 points, seven rebounds, five steals, and three assists.

Jaycie Rojik poured in a team-best 21 points for the Camels, who shot 47.9% from the floor and led for almost the entire contest. Catie Donadio tacked on 12 points and six rebounds in the win and Aislinn McMahon had 11 points for the Conn women in their second consecutive victory after dropping four straight.

After trading baskets across the opening minutes and playing to an 8-8 tie, the Camels ripped off an 8-0 run to create separation and carried a four-point advantage into the second frame. An 8-0 run to begin the second quarter afforded the home team some breathing room, and Conn cruised into halftime leading by nine points.

The Mariners played a strong third quarter, led by eight points and three rebounds by junior Yasmine Santos (Pawtucket, R.I.), yet the Camels remained steady and led by 12 entering the final 10 minutes of play.

The fourth quarter was the lone stanza Mitchell won, outscoring Conn 15-11, however the Mariners were unable to make up the necessary ground, falling by eight points when it was all said and done. Mitchell was able to trim the deficit to five with just one minute and 18 seconds remaining on a layup by Dede Stevenson, but a pair of three throws by Rojik extended the lead and after a couple timeouts by Mitchell, the Camels were able to persevere with the victory.

The Mariners shot just 30.6% from the floor, but made 11-16 from the free throw line, and forced 25 turnovers which led to 21 points. The visiting squad also scored 26 points in the paint and got 19 points from their bench.

Mitchell (9-9 overall, 2-0 NECC) return to conference play on Saturday, January 28^th, traveling for a showdown with Eastern Nazarene College at 7:00 pm. Connecticut College (6-11 overall, 04 NESCAC) host Bowdion College on Friday, January 27^th.