Wildcats Fall to Gators in Women’s Basketball Home Opener

HOLYOKE, Mass.- Despite a Valiant surge in the final five minutes of the second half, the Wildcats of Bay Path fell 71-64 to regional opponent Pine Manor in women's basketball action tonight at the Bartley Center. Sophomore guard Justine Hook (Berwick, Penn.) led all players with a game high 22 points. Hook also chipped in five boards, two steals and two assists, while nailing five treys for the evening.

Heading into the half, the Gators led 38-29 taking the earlier advantage over the host Wildcats. The Gators continued to press and run the ball taking the game high 14 point lead twice with senior guard Jessica Gilmore (Dorchester, Mass.) nailing another fast break lay-up at 15:56 on the clock.

Junior guard Brittney Alexander (Enfield, Conn.) nailed a lay-up to start the slow surge back for the Wildcats. Bay Path would get some much needed stops and nail two more shots by sophomore center Taylor Riley (Colchester, Vt.) and sophomore guard Mercedes Griffith (Malden, Mass.) to bring the game within eight.

Gators' freshman forward Phalonge Pierre (Boston, Mass.) would hit a jumper to put the score 50-40. Fellow Gator and senior guard Therline Dumeran (Cambridge, Mass.) would take advantage of a shot from the charity stripe followed by an offensive rebound and put back to take the 11 point lead once again.

Alexander would convert to free throws with twelve minutes left.  Hook would chip away at the lead once again with a made shot from down town and a fast break left handed lay-up.

Pine Manor would continue to answer back until eight minutes left with freshman center Nicole Delano (Enfield, Conn.) hit a three pointer. Delano would answer with a made free-throw. Pierre would answer her with Delano hitting two more baskets brining the score within six points at 5:58 on the clock.

Hook would almost catch the Gators hitting a lay-up followed by a trey coming within one point. Senior guard Yiafia Dowrdige (White Plains, N.Y.) would stop the Wildcats hitting one from downtown.

Despite the comeback, Dumeran would make a final basket and a free throw along with junior teammate Tia Nelson's (Brockport, Mass.) 2-2 kept the lead. Alexander would make two final free-throws only to come up short seven points.

Delano would finish with a double double team high 13 rebounds and 15 points. Alexander had ten points and six assists, while freshman guard Je-Quana Orr (East Hartford, Conn.) tallied 13 points and six boards.

Dumeran led her team with 16 points and 15 rebounds, chipping in 2 blocks. Dowridge had 11 points.

Pine Manor is now 3-2 overall, while Bay Path is 0-2. The Wildcats will be on the road Thursday, December 1^st playing Albany Pharmacy at a 7:00 p.m. game.