Elmira, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's basketball team fell to the Elmira College Soaring Eagles by a score of 56-33, in their final road game of the season. Alysa Jackson led the Wildcats with 14 points. With the loss, SUNY Poly's record now stands at 5-19.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Elmira took an early lead, starting with a three-pointer from Taylor Jung and a jumper by Anna Ward. The Wildcats responded with a layup from Sanaa Lee and a three-pointer from Jackson, narrowing the gap to 7-5. Elmira, however, quickly regained control with additional scoring from Laura Bogota and Jung to extend their advantage. Despite a few turnovers and missed shots from both sides, Elmira closed the first quarter strong with a layup from Nevaeh Winston and a three-pointer from Bogota, giving them a 10-point lead heading into the second quarter.
The Wildcats came out aggressive in the second quarter, with Jackson leading the charge. However, the Wildcats struggled to convert their opportunities, including blocked layups and missed shots, while Elmira capitalized. Despite a late layup from Jackson, the Soaring Eagles took a 30-11 lead into halftime.
Elmira extended their lead early in the third quarter with a layup from Winston and a three-pointer by Bogota. SUNY Poly responded with a spark from Jackson, who scored a layup and a three-pointer, but Elmira's efficient offense kept the lead intact. Defensively, Jackson, Faith Wagner, and Kate Donnelly fought back with steals, and Jackson hit another jumper to keep the Wildcats within reach. Elmira's Sophia Ward and Emma Ryan answered with key layups, while Donnelly added a three-pointer late in the quarter, but the Soaring Eagles would have an 18-point advantage going into the fourth.
Both teams struggled to find their rhythm to start the final quarter, with several turnovers and missed shots. Bogota provided the spark for Elmira with a layup, pushing the lead back to 18 points. SUNY Poly fought back with a tip-in from Lee and a fastbreak layup from Donnelly, cutting the deficit to 14. However, Elmira continued to build on their lead with more scoring from Bogota and free throws from Ward. Despite some strong defensive plays from Hannah Shipley, SUNY Poly was unable to capitalize on missed layups and turnovers. The Wildcats would fall to the Soaring Eagles by a score of 56-33 victory.
