By Zach Shaw
Elm Staff Writer
The Washington College Shorewomen basketball team hoped to build upon their momentum after finishing second at the Pepsi Tip-Off Tournament two weekends ago, but lost a close game to the Swarthmore College Garnet falling 77-70, on Nov. 22.
The Swarthmore College Garnet (1-3) rode a 13-0 lead in the first quarter to a 77-70 triumph over WC. Unfortunately, the Shorewomen had to play catch up for most of the game as they found themselves down .
Emily Thiemann sparked a 12-3 run for WC to cut the deficit to four at 16-12. WC took its first lead of the game on a fast-break lay-up by Quattro to go up 21-20 with 6:00 to go before halftime. WC and Swarthmore would trade baskets as they entered the second half, with the scoreboard favoring the Garnett 33-32.
The Garnet went on a run on their own halfway through the third quarter after consecutive traditional three-point trips to widen the deficit by nine. After the momentum shifter the host team went on an 11-2 run, increasing the lead 56-44. However, McLaughlin beat the buzzer to end the quarter trimming the margin to six.
Grundy would have one of the best highlights of the game with a step-back three-pointer to slice the deficit back down to two points at 72-70 with 1:58 left. However, the three ball would be the only points Washington would score the rest of the game.
Maggie O’Neil made a pair of free throws for Swarthmore on the other end to make it 74-70 with a minute and a half to go. After the Shorewomen came up empty on the next possession, the Garnett kept extending the lead with more free throws.
Coach Alisha Mosley said after the game, “Offensively we did a good job executing our plays and getting good shots. We shot the ball really well as a team and executed our plays; really proud of the 20 assists 41 percent shooting from floor. Scoring 70 points is amazing but we can’t give up 77 points. Our defense is going to have to continue to get better. Most proud of the way we competed and gave ourselves a chance to win.”
Host Swarthmore dominated the paint scoring 24 points inside while the Shorewomen mustered 16.
Senior Ali Grundy scored a game high 21 points on 9-for-15 shooting while shooting 3-for-4 from the three-point line. Cassidy Quattro almost had a double double ,pouring in 15 points and 9 rebounds, while freshman Bridget McLaughlin chipped in 9 points and freshman Caitlyn Clark dropped 6 assists.
“Ali continues to play well for us and we will need her leadership this season. Our newcomers have added much need depth and scoring options,” said Coach Mosley.
The Shorewomen will travel to McDaniel on Dec. 1, looking for their first Centennial win of the season. The team will then host Gettysburg College on Dec. 3 for a 4 p.m. home game.