The Shenandoah University women's basketball team faced a challenging season opener, narrowly falling to the 16th-ranked Catholic University Cardinals with a final score of 67-61. Despite the loss, the Hornets (0-1) showed impressive resilience, particularly through standout performances by senior Terese Greene and sophomore Addisyn Banks. Greene led all scorers, putting up 25 points, while Banks contributed 10 points, marking them as the only two Hornets to reach double digits. Shenandoah showed strength in rebounding as well, with Emily Williams leading with 10 rebounds, followed closely by Campbell and Banks, who each grabbed eight boards. Shenandoah shot 33% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc, slightly outperforming Catholic's shooting percentages of 32% and 38%, respectively.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Catholic started with momentum, quickly building a lead. Greene answered Catholic's early buckets with a pair of three-pointers, keeping Shenandoah close in the opening minutes. However, Catholic pulled ahead with a 10-0 run, ending the quarter at 18-9.
Greene's scoring efforts continued, with five quick points to cut into the deficit. Midway through the quarter, Maddie Kimble and Banks joined the scoring, as Shenandoah pushed back against Catholic's lead. However, a late scoring drought for the Hornets allowed Catholic to enter halftime up 37-24.
Out of the break, Shenandoah showed renewed energy. Gabby Krystofiak hit a three-pointer, followed by strong post play from Campbell, who scored back-to-back layups and made free throws to bring the game within five points. The Hornets found success in the paint, keeping the score close at 54-45 heading into the final quarter.
Catholic widened the lead with two quick threes early in the fourth. Despite the deficit, Shenandoah continued to battle, with Greene and Campbell scoring on consecutive possessions. Greene's and-one play and Banks' free throws kept Shenandoah within reach. Krystofiak's fastbreak layup brought the Hornets within seven with just 90 seconds remaining. Although Kimble drilled a buzzer-beating three, Catholic maintained their lead, ultimately securing the 67-61 victory.
UP NEXT
The Hornets continue their road trip on Saturday, traveling to Pennsylvania to face the DeSales Bulldogs. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. as Shenandoah looks to bounce back from this tough opening loss.
#GoSUHornets
