ROCKFORD, IL - The Women's Basketball team traveled to Rockford University for their third game of the year as they continue to begin their season as the "Road Warriors". For the first time this season, the fans were treated to the kind of pace and style of play that will be become a staple of this team.
The Panthers trailed in the first quarter by just 5 after a quick run out by Rockford. The first quarter was the best opening that the young Panthers have had this season with only being down 5 to a strong 2-2 Regents team. The second quarter was dominated by a 9-point burst from the Regents and gave them a 32 to 19 edge over the Panthers. However, the second half was a small peak at the true talents of this Principia team. The Panthers put together an 11-point run with two separate sequences of four defensive stops. Led by sophomore
Aaliyah Scott and her 21 points, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds, the Panthers offense started to show some pace and a diversity of scoring options. Freshman
Lydia Klutho had 14 points and 7 rebounds, plus do all sophomore
Alana Hinson scored 13 points with 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Freshmen
Raina Bryant and
Carolina Rojas, who also chipped in 5 points, helped lead a Panther barrage of high-pressure defense. This was the first game of the season the Panthers had 3 players score double digit points. Juniors
Madi Leslie and
Georgia Rather came into the contest off the bench and both made huge contributions with Leslie scoring for the first time this season on a big cut to the hole and strong inside move for the "and-1".
The ending may have been a 72-62 loss for Principia, but the story of the night was definitely the continued growth of this young team. The Panthers ended the contest with 8 of 9 players scoring, all 9 players getting on the board for rebounds, and 6 players getting assists.
Coach Dominguez was impressed, saying, "Wow - this group of young ladies just played so hard the entire game. I am so proud of them and just how much grit they showed. Down big and to come back then to go down again and come back. This is not making a positive out of a negative - this is making a positive out of a positive. Our growth in this game was a huge win."
Sophomore
Alana Hinson commented, "Tonight, we came out and competed for 40 minutes. Every game, we are getting stronger and developing more chemistry. It will be exciting to see the exponential growth throughout the season."
Up next: The women have another quick turnaround as they play at Franklin College in Indiana on Tuesday, November 23rd at 6 pm CST. Tune in to the live stream to watch the Panthers go for their first win!
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