Fast Start Not Enough as Women’s Basketball Falls to Norwich
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Norwich | 13 | 25 | 18 | 14 | 70 |
|
Mitchell | 19 | 9 | 4 | 23 | 55 |
NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Mitchell College women's basketball team opened strong but could not sustain its momentum, falling 70–55 to Norwich University on Saturday afternoon in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play at the Yarnall Athletic Center.
Mitchell controlled the opening quarter, shooting 36.8 percent from the field and knocking down four three-pointers to take a 19–13 lead after one. Sophomore Jordyn Streitmatter (Brewster, Mass.) scored nine first-quarter points, including three triples, as the Mariners held the lead for more than five minutes in the opening frame.
Norwich responded in the second quarter with a decisive 25–9 run, fueled by forcing nine turnovers and scoring 12 points off miscues to take a 38–28 advantage into halftime. Mitchell was limited to just 2-of-11 shooting in the period.
The third quarter proved pivotal, as Mitchell managed only four points while Norwich extended its lead to as many as 24. The Cadets capitalized on second-chance opportunities and fast-break points, outscoring the Mariners 18–4 in the frame.
Mitchell didn't quit and outscored Norwich 23–14 in the fourth quarter behind improved shooting and aggressive play to the basket, but the early deficit was too much to overcome.
Streitmatter led Mitchell with 23 points and 10 rebounds, good for her second double-double of the season. Junior Inonda Peterson (Houston, TX) added seven points and four rebounds, while sophomore Luisa Delgado (Bridgeport, Conn.) contributed 12 points, including three three-pointers. Sophomore Jade Hypolite (Houston, TX) filled the stat sheet with nine points, eight rebounds, five assists, and four steals.
Mitchell finished the game shooting 29.1 percent from the field and forced 23 Norwich turnovers but was outscored 46–6 in the paint.
Maggi Ellsworth paced the Cadets with a team-high 17 points, adding seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Gracie Laster chipped in 14 points off the bench, while Kiley O'Brien finished with 13 points and five boards.
The Mariners (2–16, 0–9 GNAC) continue their three-game homestand on Wednesday, February 11, when they square off against Albertus Magnus College at 7:00 p.m.
