Sophomore guard Magdalena Sularski goes up for a shot
Courtesy | Ashley Van Hoose

Hillsdale women’s basketball outscored Ursuline College 21–7 and held the Arrows to 16% shooting from the field in the final quarter to defeat the Arrows 70–54 Jan. 29 on the road before a 72–63 loss at Walsh University Jan. 31.

“We showed a lot of toughness and played great team defense to minimize their scoring,” head coach Brianna Brennan said. 

With the split, the Chargers’ record moved to 10–8 overall and 6–6 in Great Midwest Athletic Conference play, placing them eighth in the conference. 

“Road wins are huge for us,” junior forward Savannah Smith said. “It not only helps us in the G-MAC standings, but it’s a huge boost of confidence knowing that we took down a team on their home court.” 

Savannah Smith led the Chargers in scoring with 16 points on 8–9 shooting from the floor. Junior guard Annalise Pietrzyk added 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

“Savannah’s really been a huge asset for us lately,” Pietrzyk said. “Some teams have begun to double her once she has the ball, which opens up our shooters more.”

Sophomore guards Magdalena and Emilia Sularski, and sophomore center Ellie Bruce each contributed 9 points.

“Our balanced scoring in Ursuline was really great,” Brennan said. “It shows our depth and selflessness.”

Senior guard Emma Ruhlman added 7 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Freshman guard Maddie Smith contributed 6 points, six rebounds, and three assists.

“Our rebounding was spread out too, so it was great that everyone’s individual effort was on a high and helped our team come out on top,” Brennan said.

Sophomore guard Sarah Aleknavicius returned to the lineup for the Chargers against Walsh following an eight-game absence due to injury.

“Having Sarah back in the lineup is very exciting,” Brennan said. “Sarah is such a versatile player, and she typically defends the other team’s best players.”

Hillsdale fell behind the Cavaliers late in the second quarter and remained within striking distance of the lead the entire second half. Hillsdale was unable to take the lead before falling to Walsh.

“I don’t think we rolled over and gave up, but it’s also important to keep focusing on taking care of the ball,” Pietrzyk said. “Turnovers have been a weak spot for us, and we gave Walsh 20-plus points just on turnovers.”

Pietrzyk led the Chargers with 28 points, including 6–11 shooting from beyond the three-point line. Ruhlman added 10 points.

“We are excited for the opportunity to keep growing, so we are playing our best basketball come March,” Brennan said. 

Following the two-game road trip, Hillsdale returns home hoping to avenge an earlier loss to Tiffin University Feb. 5 at 5:30 p.m. The Chargers also play Ohio Dominican University Feb. 7 at 1 p.m.  

“We are excited for both our home games this week and grateful for the support of the college and community thus far,” Brennan said.