CENTER VALLEY, Pa. – The Shenandoah University women's basketball team battled valiantly but came up short in an 81-71 non-conference loss to DeSales University on Saturday afternoon. The game featured a standout performance from senior Terese Greene, who poured in a game-high 35 points.
Greene dominated offensively, shooting 11-of-27 from the floor, 2-of-7 from beyond the arc, and an impressive 11-of-12 from the free-throw line. She also contributed five rebounds and three assists. Supporting Greene's effort, Maddie Kimble added 10 points on 2-of-7 shooting, converting 6-of-7 free throws while grabbing seven rebounds. Gabby Krystofiak chipped in nine points and four rebounds.
Despite their efforts, the Hornets (0-2) shot 34% from the field and struggled from deep, connecting on only 16% of their three-point attempts. DeSales capitalized on their opportunities, shooting 41% overall, including 33% from three, and an 88% success rate from the free-throw line.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hornets jumped out to a lead before the tip after a technical foul called against DeSales, giving Shenandoah an early 1-0 lead as Gabby Krystofiak sank the free throw. After the tip-off, DeSales quickly regained momentum with a three-pointer on their first possession. Greene answered with two free throws to tie the game before Shawnise Campbell scored Shenandoah's first field goal. Krystofiak's layup midway through the quarter gave the Hornets a 9-7 lead. However, a late 5-0 DeSales run put the Bulldogs ahead. Krystofiak managed to keep the Hornets close with a layup and free throw, but a buzzer-beating layup from DeSales gave them an 18-14 lead heading into the second quarter.
DeSales opened the second quarter with a quick basket, extending their lead to six. Emily Williams and Addisyn Banks responded with points to cut the lead to two (20-18). Greene continued her offensive onslaught, converting an and-one play to keep Shenandoah within striking distance. DeSales, however, maintained their lead by answering with timely three-pointers. The Hornets matched DeSales' intensity as Mya Martin contributed her first field goal. Greene and Kimble carried the scoring load for Shenandoah in the quarter's final minutes, but the Bulldogs closed the half with a 42-32 advantage.
The Bulldogs came out strong after halftime, holding Shenandoah scoreless for the first four minutes of the quarter while building a 20-point lead. Greene broke the drought with a free throw, and she continued to carry the Hornets offensively, scoring most of their points in the third. Contributions from Banks and a buzzer-beating layup by Danni Marmo, assisted by Greene, cut into DeSales' lead slightly, ending the quarter at 62-49.
The Hornets opened the final frame with an 8-0 run, sparked by relentless defense and timely baskets from Greene and Krystofiak. Campbell and Banks added key points as Shenandoah cut the lead to single digits. Greene's layup off a Campbell assist brought the Hornets within five points (72-67) with just over two minutes to play. Despite their best efforts, Shenandoah couldn't close the gap further as DeSales capitalized on late free-throw opportunities, sinking nine in the final minutes to secure the win.
UP NEXT
The Hornets will look to bounce back on the road against Marymount University on Tuesday before returning to Winchester for their home opener against Wilson College on Friday.
#GoSUHornets
