Defensive Pressure too Much for V-Hawks

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Viterbo University Women's Basketball team fell to Saint Xavier University on Saturday afternoon 78-71. The V-Hawks fall to 10-4 (CCAC 3-3) while the Cougars rise to 8-6 (CCAC 5-1).

Macy Stellner drained the first three of the game for the V-Hawks from Emily McCurdy before scoring another layup a few minutes later. The V-Hawks would battle for lead in a power struggle between the Cougars, Carly Drew scoring back to back jumpers before ending the quarter.

Carrying her momentum Drew would score another three early in the second from Olivia Lambrigtsen, followed by a layup by Lambrigtsen going up six. Madison Hugdahl scoring the next six points on layups and free throws. Also taking to the free throw line with less than a minute remaining in the half, Nora Tucker would draw an and one from three.

The V-Hawks would come out of the half hot, Stellner nailing back to back jumpers. The Cougars looking to make a comeback from the deficit clawing back five points, Tucker would hit a three keeping the V-Hawks up by six. In foul territory, Nicole Johnson would make both free throws at the line before Drew would take one last layup before the buzzer.

McCurdy capitalizing on a steal would make the play scoring a layup before committing a block, though SXU would find a way to make the three to tie up the game. Stellner, continuing to make offensive opportunities would find Drew and Hughes for the layup and drive for her own.

Stellner led the V-Hawks from the floor with 12 points and four rebounds. Jaidn Green led the Cougars with 21.

The V-Hawks outshot the Cougars from the floor 43.9% to 41.7% and from three 38.1% to 33.3% though were outrebounded 38-33.

The V-Hawks return to action Wednesday, January 8, at St Ambrose to continue conference play.