the Informer

The second semester is just now getting underway but the University of Hartford women’s basketball team has been operating at full-speed over the break, all the way to its victory over Boston University, 52-44 to take first place in the American East. The Hawks improve to 15-3 overall, 6-0 in the conference as the Terriers fall to 9-9 overall, 5-1 in conference play.

Freshman Ruthanne Doherty had a career day leading the Hawks in points with 15. Erica Beverley tied a career high by achieving her fourth double-double of the year with 11 points and 16 rebounds. Adding 11 as well was Jackie Smith who nailed two clutch free throws at the end of the game to put it out of reach for Boston.
The leading scorers for Boston included the America East player of the game, junior Kerry Cashman with 10 points and six rebounds. Freshman Caitlyn Moran led the team with 11 points and a career-best five steals. Fellow freshman Chantell Ford had a big day on the boards with seven to go along with nine points and five steals.

At the opening tip off Hartford’s defense was as fierce as ever by not allowing Boston a single point until the 17:28 minute mark. The Hawks opened with a 12-0 run up until that point. The Terriers kept fighting and answered with an 8-0 run of their own but after another scoreless drought by Boston, the Hawks increased their lead back to 12, 20-8. Intense play remained from the Hawks as both teams went into the locker rooms at halftime with the score 34-16.

Opening the second half Doherty finished a beautiful play in the paint but that would be all Hartford had to offer in the next nine minutes as they went on a scoring drought of their own. Boston was able to cut the lead within four, 37-33 with help from sophomore Caroline Stewart as 11 minutes remained in the game.
The Hawks intensity picked up again and Doherty hit back-to-back jumpers to improve their lead to 41-33. From here on both teams had to fight hard for points in the final 10 minutes. Hartford only posted 11 more points but Boston was forced to have their last basket come early at the 6:32 mark. Only four free throws would come from the Terriers in the final six minutes. Hartford’s defense had sealed the deal for the team as the final score came to be 52-44.

Despite opening the break with a 68-47 loss to Marist, this style of victory was the story for Hartford over the past month. The Hawks returned with a seven-game winning streak, including three road wins in defeating Coppin State at home 51-44, Bowling Green at home 65-60, Stony Brook at home 65-38, UMBC on the road 69-66, New Hampshire on the road 72-45, Binghamton on the road 70-65, and Maine at home 76-39. With March only a couple of months away you can start to feel the madness for the University of Hartford women’s basketball team.

Photo courtesy of Steve McLaughlin