The Shippensburg University women’s basketball team started the week with an 0–4 record, going into their matchup with the Jefferson Rams of Philadelphia University.
Despite a strong start, the Raiders finished the week with an 0–5 record after losing to undefeated Jefferson, 68–56, in Philadelphia.
After freshman Lili Benzel connected on three three-pointers and redshirt sophomore Gabriela Blackburn hit a pair of threes in the opening quarter, the Raiders led 22–19 after the first quarter.
At the end of the first half, the Rams led 35–33.
The game was still close after three quarters as the Rams kept a two-point lead going into the fourth quarter, 49–47.
In a game that featured nine ties and eight lead changes, the young Raiders team fought close until the fourth quarter, when they were outscored 19–9.
Benzel led the Raiders in scoring, putting up 14 points, while fellow freshman Ariel Jones scored 10 points, adding five assists and two blocks.
Veteran senior center Kristin McGeough picked up her first career double-double and finished the game with 10 points, 11 rebounds and four assists on 5-of-10 shooting in 28 minutes of action.
Turnovers were a big struggle for the Raiders again as they turned the ball over 26 times, compared to Jefferson’s 12 turnovers.
Freshman Kryshell Gordy added eight points and eight rebounds in 28 minutes of play.
The Raiders travelled the University of Charleston on Sunday and picked up their first win of the season against the Golden Eagles. Freshman Ariel Jones had a career-high 34 points in the overtime win, the most in a game by a Raider since Sarah Strybuc’s 36 in 2013 against the University of Pitt-Johnstown.
The team will face off against the Lightning of Goldey-Beacom College at Heiges Field House on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
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