Words by Juliana Cimino
The Emmanuel College Women’s Basketball team faced off against the Coast Guard Academy Bears at home at 7:00PM on Monday, February 7th. The game was Senior Night for the Saints to honor the four graduating Captains, as well as Emily Anderson, a senior on the Dance Team. Prior to the start of the game, all five were commemorated for their accomplishments. They each walked to center court with their parents, where they received flowers and had their picture taken. The basketball players got an embrace from head coach Andy Yosinoff. Photos were taken of the individual, their relatives, and the coach, as well as a group photo of everybody (shown below).
Once the ceremony was over, it was time for the game to get underway.
Heading into the game, Coast Guard had 11 wins and 7 losses, while Emmanuel had 17 wins and one loss overall. Senior guard Korie Mathis (#2), graduate student guard Jamad Fiin (#4), first-year forward Yannie Chan (#13), senior forward Riley Lahiff (#14), and senior forward Loren D’Agostino (#45) were the starters for Emmanuel.
In the first quarter, the Saints got off to a rough start. Within the first two minutes of the game, Chan committed two fouls, causing coach Yosinoff to sub for her very early. They just looked very sloppy, having turned the ball over multiple times. The Bears were up 16-10 going into the second quarter.
Emmanuel played better in the second quarter. They were down 16-14 with just over seven minutes left. Sophomore forward Allison Wild (#33) was fouled while going up for a layup, the shot fell, and she made the free throw to complete the 3-point play. This helped the Saints gain energy. D’Agostino was fouled and sunk both her free throws to tie the game at 23-23. The score was 29-27 in favor of the Bears at the half.
Emmanuel looked like a whole different team in the second half. Their energy and momentum were outstanding. Chan scored an impressive layup in the third quarter that forced a timeout by the Bears head coach. This got both the crowd and the Saints excited. Emmanuel scored 23 points and held Coast Guard to 13 points in the third, bringing the score to 50-42, Saints, going into the final quarter.
Coast Guard still stayed in the game in the fourth quarter and cut their deficit to just three points with close to six minutes remaining in the game. Although Coast Guard Academy did come within one possession of the Saints, Emmanuel maintained their lead to win the game 72-58. Their impressive 45-point second half played a major part in their win overall. The Bears fell to 11-8 on the season, while the Saints advanced to 18-1.
D’Agostino had a stellar night, with a double-double. She contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds (two offensive and ten defensive) for the Saints. Lahiff netted 12 points along with nine rebounds (three offensive and six defensive). Fiin added 15 points, nine of which stemming from her shooting 3/6 from beyond the arc. She also had eight rebounds (three offensive and five defensive), two assists, and one steal. Chan had seven points, six assists, and seven rebounds (two offensive and five defensive). Wild had nine points, eight rebounds (five offensive and three defensive), and two blocks on the night.
The Saints final regular season home game is against Norwich University on Wednesday, February 9th at 5:30PM.
Edited from previous version that stated the next home game is February 16th
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