Women’s team defeat Xavier University in home game finale

Zoie+Miller%2C+Loyola+sophomore+guard%2C+blows+past+Whitney+Gathright%2C+Xavier+senior+guard%2C+in+the+second+quarter+of+their+game+in+the+Den.+The+women+defeated+Xavier+University+67-57+in+their+final+home+game+of+the+2016+season.

Zach Brien

Zoie Miller, Loyola sophomore guard, blows past Whitney Gathright, Xavier senior guard, in the second quarter of their game in the Den. The women defeated Xavier University 67-57 in their final home game of the 2016 season.

Mark Robinson, Gameday Reporter

 

Before tipping off the Wolf Pack women’s team’s final home against Xavier University, the team celebrated the careers of seniors Brianna Oglesby and Adrianne Sloboh.

The Pack started off red hot from the field, as they jumped out on the Gold Nuggets 14-3 early in the first quarter.

The Pack continued their big run into the second quarter, as the team increased the lead by as many as 14 heading into halftime. Before tipping off the Wolf Pack women’s team’s final home against Xavier University, the team celebrated the careers of seniors Brianna Oglesby and Adrianne Sloboh. The Pack started off red hot from the field, as they jumped out on the Gold Nuggets 14-3 early in the first quarter.

The Pack continued their big run into the second quarter, as the team increased the lead by as many as 14 heading into halftime. Sloboh dominated the first half, pulling down 10 rebounds for her team. The Pack led 40-26 at intermission.

The team would go on to extend the lead further, leading 47-28 at the seven minute mark of the third quarter. But the Gold Nuggets would chip away at the deficit, cutting the lead down to 15 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Pack was stifled by Xavier’s defensive intensity, as they would be scoreless from the field for four minutes until a layup by Meghan Temple put the team up 11 in the final minutes. The Pack’s lead would be cut down to as low six before Jr. guard Kylah Jones nailed a three pointer to increase the lead to nine. The Pack would pull away in the final minute and a half. A layup by Fr. Forward Megan Worry would seal the deal in the waning moments of the game. The Pack went on to win it 67-57.

The team was led by Zoie Miller, who tallied 13 points in the win. Megan Worry, DiMond Jackson and Kylah Jones all scored in double figures, and Sloboh finished the ball game with 13 rebounds. The Pack improves to 13-3 in SSAC play and 18-6 overall. The team will play its final three games on the road, with a matchup against Mobile on Saturday, Feb. 20. Worry, DiMond Jackson and Kylah Jones all scored in double figures, and Sloboh finished the ball game with 13 rebounds. Kellie Kennedy, head coach, said that Sloboh’s energy was much needed in moments where the team was unable to execute.

” When you can give our team six extra chances, it’s huge. It gives your team confidence when you have somebody who’s doing that for you. I thought she came out and did exactly what we needed her to do,” Kennedy said.

But the team still has unfinished business with three games still remaining in the regular season. For Sloboh, it’s important for the team to bring energy and effort to every game.

“We just need to focus on finishing the game. We have to bring the energy for all four quarters. There are times when we lack that energy but I think we are ready to play,” Sloboh said.

The Pack improves to 13-3 in SSAC play and 18-6 overall.  The team will play its final three games on the road, with a matchup against Mobile on Saturday, Feb. 20.