By Ryan Conway & Joseph Caruso
Staff Writer & Sports Editor
The College’s women’s basketball team kept on rolling this past week, defeating Stockton 75-59 on Jan. 28 and blowing out Ramapo 83-47 on Jan. 31. Since losing their first six games, the Lions have been on an impressive 11-3 run.
On Wednesday, the College hosted the Ospreys of Stockton at Packer Hall for a white out, trying to continue their hot streak since NJAC play started having won nine of their past 12 games after starting winless through their first six contests.
The game was tight through a high-scoring first quarter, where the College led by just two points by a score of 18-16 after the first ten minutes. However, in the second period, the Lions defense completely shut down the Stockton offense, holding them to just four points in the second quarter, as the College went into the half leading 35-20.
In the second half, the Lions continued their hot shooting, and ended up winning the game 75-59. The College made 12 threes, led by Sophomore Brooke McFadden, who gave all credit to the team.
“I really couldn’t have done it without my teammates,” McFadden said. “I’m really lucky to have them honestly.”
McFadden led the way scoring 21 points, with sophomore Amanda Baylock also tallying 16 points. The second-year duo terrorised the Ospreys from beyond the arc, combining for eight threes.
On Saturday, the Lions faced off against Ramapo on the road. Similarly to their last contest, it was a hot start for the College, who jumped out to an early 34-15 lead at the half.
The second half was even more convincing, as the College finished the game shooting six of seven from deep in the fourth quarter, as they dismantled another NJAC rival, destroying Ramapo 83-47. Five Lions picked up double-digit points, and they never even trailed as they won their third straight game.
In a game where the Lions were on fire, including shooting over 50% from three with 14 made as a team. McFadden and Baylock had another stellar game, where Baylock finished with a team-high 13 points in a balanced Lions attack, and two guards hit four combined shots from beyond the three point line.
It’s been a remarkable turnaround for the Lions, who lost their first six games of the season. Not only have they not stopped winning, but they have done it in very convincing fashion. In five of their last seven games, the Lions have won by 20 points, with the only loss in that stretch coming in a 61-47 defeat to William Paterson. This remarkable turnaround now has the team sitting at 11-9, with the New Jersey Athletic Conference tournament just a few weeks away.
In a Wednesday pink out, the College hosted Rutgers-Camden trying to continue their winning ways. Similarly to their first matchup against Stockton, it was a stellar second quarter that catapulted the Lions ahead, outscoring Rutgers-Camden 24 to 12 in the second period, going into the half up double-digits.
Senior Katie Fricker and junior Riley Ahrens each led the way with 18 points a piece, with Fricker knocking down four three pointers.
In another dominant fourth quarter, the College secured their fourth straight win 81-61, bringing their record to 12-9 including 11-3 in the NJAC.
The College now has the NJAC playoffs in their sights, but they have four more NJAC contests before then, the first being Saturday, Feb. 7.
