The women’s basketball team opened its season last weekend with a solid 1-1 record at the Chuck Resler Tournament in the Louis Alexander Palestra. The ’Jackets took a 77-57 win over the Medaille College Mavericks last Friday but fell short 61-57 the next day against the Tufts University Jumbos.
“It’s always great to come out and win your first game of the season because it sets a positive tone for the rest of the year,” junior guard Ally Zywicki said.
The YellowJackets came out strong in their game against Medaille, earning a 13-4 lead early in the first half. This momentum continued the rest of the game, with the LadyJackets maintaining their lead into halftime cruising to a 77-57 victory.
Zywicki led the ’Jackets in scoring, dropping 20 points against the Mavericks, nine of which came from beyond the arc. Senior forward Loren Wagner also had an impressive game with 15 points and 13 rebounds, six of which were offensive rebounds.
After Friday’s win, UR played the Jumbos in the championship matchup on Saturday, falling short in a close battle.
“It’s never ideal to lose on your home court opening weekend,” Zywicki said. “But we learned that we can contend with top teams.”
The Jumbos came out strong, taking an early lead with a 22-4 run in the first half. However, the ’Jackets showed true heart in the second half, rallying back from a deficit of as many as 19 points. In the end, though, the Jumbos held onto their early lead, earning a 61-57 victory.
Wagner once again had an impressive performance, earning a double-double with 21 points and 10 total rebounds. Senior forward Danielle McNabb also left her mark on the scoreboard, picking up 16 points and 11 rebounds.
“Our goal for the season is to win the UAA conference championship and ultimately make it to the NCAA tournament,” Zywicki said. “We look to take it game by game … improve and get better every game, and play our best basketball by the time March comes around.”
Cozen is a member of the class of 2015.
