The Westminster women's basketball team defeated Neumann 61-58 on day two of the St. Pete Classic hosted by Eckerd College. The Westminster Blue Jays leave the Classic with a sweep after defeating Wesley on day one and are now 6-3 on the season.
"Sometimes you just have to keep working and stay focused on what you do. It was a physical game, but we kept at it with our full court pressure and that caused them some problems," stated Head Coach Tracey Braden. The Blue Jays forced Neumann to cause 23 turnovers.
The game started with four possession changes before senior Sadie Theroff put away two free throws six minutes into the game to knot the game at 10-10. Neumann made two consecutive shots to take a 14-10 lead, but the Blue Jays hit a 7-0 run to end the first quarter with a 17-14 lead.
The Blue Jays maintained the lead until Neumann knotted up the game at 20-20 four minutes in. They knotted the game again at 23-23, but a three-pointer from senior Kasey Gatson took back the lead, 26-23. A three from Theroff gave the Blue Jays a four-point advantage with 2:33 to play in the first half, 29-25, but Neumann made two baskets to tie the game and end the half knotted at 29-29.
Neumann jumped out to a 41-31 lead after a 12-2 run throughout the first four minutes of the third quarter. After a timeout, Gatson scored seven of the Blue Jay's 11-2 run to come within one, 43-42. Senior Mackenzie Haddox went to the foul line twice within 15 seconds and went 3-4 to tie the game at 45-45 with 1:31 to play in the third. Neumann made a bucket to pull back ahead, and junior Krista Armontrout went 1-2 from the foul line to send the game into the final quarter with the Blue Jays trailing by one, 47-46.
Armontrout came into the fourth with a made layup and was fouled on the way up. She made the free throw, giving the Blue Jays the 49-47 lead. Neumann took back the lead, but a three by junior Andrea Zalis and a layup by junior Payton Gruber put the Blue Jays up, 54-51. Neumann brought the game within one with two made free throws, but a three by Gruber gave the Blue Jays a four-point lead. With 1:58 in the game, Neumann knotted the game at 57-57. The game was scoreless until just 15 seconds to play when Gatson hit a jump shot to take a two-point lead, 59-57. With 0:05 on the clock, the Blue Jays fouled Neumann and sent them to the line. They went 1-2, missing their second free throw. Zalis pulled down the rebound and was immediately fouled, sending her to the free throw line. She made both free throws, ending the game with the score 61-58.
"Mackenzie Haddox had five assists and no turnovers. She does so many things for us that doesn't show up in the boxscore," commented Coach Braden. Haddox also recorded 14 points and four steals in the win.
Gatson, Haddox and Zalis combined for 41 of the Blue Jay points. Gatson finished with 15 points and five steals while Zalis added 12 points. Armontrout pulled down 11 boards including seven offensive boards.
"We had players come into the game at various times and give key contributions... rebounds, defense, etc.," added Coach Braden. "That's what we needed... a little "punch" from the bench, whether it was boards, defense, or setting solid screens and executing."
After Saturday's win, the Blue Jays will not see the court again until 2016. They travel to Fontbonne University for their fourth conference game on Saturday, January 2 at 1:00 pm.
