Hot Shooting Lifts V-Hawks over Saints

JOLIET, Ill. – The Viterbo University Women's Basketball team ended 2023 with a win on the road at University of Saint Francis on Thursday night, 73-72. The V-Hawks improve to 4-6, while the Saints fall to 6-6.

Nicole Johnson scored the first four points of the game with a pair of layups, then she found Marley Hughes for three of her 10 first quarter points. The threes kept coming, as Emma Wagner and Johnson each added triples of their own, and the V-Hawks led 22-16.

Lauryn Goettl converted a layup to start the second, but then the teams both faced a scoring drought of over two minutes. A free throw by Macy Stellner got the V-Hawks back on the board, and Wagner connected on two more threes to extend Viterbo's lead to 35-24. Hughes set up a three for Stellner and a layup for Emily McCurdy, lading to the V-Hawks 40-35 halftime lead.

In the second half, Viterbo jumped out to a 10-2 run, highlighted by a Hughes and Wagner three, and while Gina Stefferud added one of her own, the Saint were still gaining one the V-Hawks, as they nailed a three to bring the score to 53-46. Hughes stayed hot form three, and McCurdy ended the quarter with a layup, VU ahead 58-50.

Pearla Teko-Folly converted an and-one early in the final period to go up 11, but after a pair of Madison Hugdahl free throws, USF went on a run and closed the V-Hawk lead to 68-66 with three minutes left. Hughes, Wagner, and McCurdy all hit clutch free throws late but the Saints had the ball, down one with under ten seconds left. Macy Stellner would steal an inbound pass by St. Francis to secure the win, 73-72.

Wagner and Hughes each recorded 17 points, while McCurdy added 12. Jonnson and Teko-Folly each grabbed seven rebounds, and Hughes also dished six assists. Tykara Harrison led all players with 18 bench points for USF.

Viterbo outshot St. Francis from the floor, 53.3% - 42.6%, including a blazing 545% from three (12-22). Viterbo also grabbed more rebounds, 33-23, but committed more turnovers, 19-10.

The V-Hawks return to action on January 4 at Martin Luther College (Minn.).