Courtesy: Hillsdale College Athletic Department
The Hillsdale women’s basketball team split two road games, defeating Lake Superior State University 59–50 Nov. 22 and losing to No. 18 Ferris State University 79–68 Nov. 26, moving its record to 3–2 on the season.
“Road wins are huge,” head coach Brianna Brennan said. “I’m really proud because that’s a game, and a gym, and a team where you go in there and walk out with a win. It doesn’t matter what it looks like, we’re taking it and leaving.”
The Chargers’ defense held the Lakers to 31.6% shooting from the field and 22.7% shooting from 3-point range.
“Especially on the road, the more we control the defensive end, the more likely we are going to be able to have success,” Brennan said.
The Chargers led the Lakers 36–27 at halftime. The Lakers cut the Chargers’ lead to two midway through the fourth quarter, but Hillsdale held its lead en route to victory.
“When the score dwindled, our players with experience were able to have poise out there,” Brennan said. “And our freshman Maddie Smith really finished the game for us at the point guard spot, and she did a phenomenal job executing what we needed her to do.”
Sophomore center Ellie Bruce led the Chargers with 16 points, contributing six rebounds as well.
Sophomore forward Sarah Aleknavicius added 12 points and also led the Chargers with nine rebounds and five assists.
Junior guard Annalise Pietrzyk scored 10 points, and senior guard Emma Ruhlman contributed eight points for the Chargers. Both Pietrzyk and Ruhlman added seven rebounds.
The Chargers had 19 assists on 23 made baskets against the Lakers.
“I think a stat like assists is just a perfect showing of how much we care for each other and how much we want to get the best shot and share the ball,” Ruhlman said.
Against the Bulldogs, the Chargers led after the first quarter 14–11 and were knotted up at halftime 33–33.
The Bulldogs outscored the Chargers 27–16 in the third quarter to take the lead on their way to victory.
“Going into halftime tied tells us that we absolutely could have had that game,” senior forward Sydney Pnacek said. “It gives us a little more motivation to throw the first punch, but then also come out in the third quarter and throw the first punch of the second half as well.”
Pietrzyk led the Chargers in scoring with 17 points. Bruce added 15 points and seven rebounds. Aleknavicius contributed a team-high six assists, and Ruhlman led the Chargers with eight rebounds.
The Chargers had 20 assists on 24 made baskets.
Hillsdale ranks 10th among NCAA Division II women’s basketball teams in assists with 18.6 assists per game.
“The way we’re sharing the ball is a testament to the team basketball we can play,” Brennan said. “For us to be doing that so well this early, I just can’t wait to see what it continues to become.”
The Chargers begin conference play at home against Lake Erie College Dec. 6.
“It is important for us against Lake Erie on Saturday to just come out and make a statement,” Pnacek said. “Our conference is so strong, but it’s up for grabs right now.”
