Tyler Horning/Collegian
Sophomore Jessie Miller steals the ball from her Gannon counterparts and leaves them in the dust. Hillsdale's win was hotly contested by the Golden Knights, but the Chargers put them away 88-83 in double overtime.
The wait is over—the Chargers obliterated their losing streak with wins against Mercyhurst and Gannon, but lost to Ashland 73-60 last night, hitting the road this weekend on yet another low note.
“We were outplayed,” coach Claudette Charney said. “Our shots weren't falling, and we allowed our offense to dictate our defense—this shouldn't happen.”
Now eighth in the region, Ashland out-rebounded the Chargers 51-38, and pulled ahead quickly with point-leaders senior six-foot-four Jackie Mason, sophomore Amber Rall, and senior Beth Everman.
“Mason intimidated us in the post,” Charney said. “This is youth versus experience: seniors would understand and come out with a sense of urgency—sophomores don't.”
The Chargers came out slowly the first half, allowing the Eagles to take a 26-14 lead.
They picked it up, playing hard for the duration of the game but couldn't make up the deficit.
They were continually out-rebounded by Everman and Mason, Ashland's leading record holder for rebounds (7.9 rebounds per game).
“The first ten minutes killed us,” sophomore Crystal Yoder said. “We were missing our shots, and couldn't make up for the points lost. We just can't do that.”
Despite the Ashland loss, the Chargers made great strides on Saturday when they faced a rough and competitive Gannon.
Though challenged into a double overtime, the Hillsdale girls prevailed with an 88-83 win.
“We're looking to each other again,” said sophomore Lauren Fewins on Saturday. “A few losses make you think, make you re-evaluate yourself and quit waiting for things to be fixed. Everyone has stepped up.”
On Saturday Wustman led with 20 points and nine rebounds. Jenn Carlson had 19 points and perfect free throw percentage, while Jessie Miller led in defensive toughness with four steals and 17 points.
Jodie Haines knocked down three 3-point shots, and Fewins contributed 10 points. Junior Gretchen Rocco led with six assists.
Jessie Miller's hard work on defense and smart movement on offense was a key to the Charger's consistency on Saturday.
“Jessie established herself as a strong defender early-on,” said Charney. “She's a smart, tough, gritty player, and we had her matched against Gannon's best guard.”
Rocco, a consistently energetic defensive player and quiet floor leader gives the still-young Chargers some experienced foundation.
“I play hard on defense and bring intensity as much as I can,” said Rocco.
“Once you play hard defensively, your offense comes naturally. Intensity spreads, and catches on to everyone on the floor.”
The break in the five-game losing streak came on Thursday, when the Chargers decimated Mercyhurst with a 73-53 win. Sophomores Jessie Miller and Jodie Haines led the Chargers in points, sophomore Nikki Wustman helped with strong rebounding, and sophomore Maria Sciarini stepped up with consistent free throws and defense.
“We're going to be fine,” said Charney. “We're focusing on the little parts again and the shots are falling again.”
“We're more organized and executing our plays well,” said Miller. “We are over the fact that we're no longer undefeated, and we're looking to focus game by game.”
Recently back on the court after suffering a back injury, junior Katie Pohlgeers twisted her knee in a scramble play on Thursday.
The prognosis is a sprain, but there is a slight chance of a tear in her meniscus.
Despite the ups-and-downs, the young squad is learning fast, showing their ability to stay calm and focused in a double overtime situation, but having again to learn a hard lesson of coming out slow against a powerhouse squad.
“They don't seem like they're young anymore,” said Rocco of her younger teammates.
“They're not afraid to be aggressive, to take the shots. It's really helpful that everyone can feel comfortable running the defense, making the play.”
The Chargers play at Findlay on Saturday at 1 pm.