The university’s women’s basketball team returned home for an important two-game non-conference stretch that would provide a clearer picture of where the team stands heading into the midseason portion of their schedule. Their first game was against the Siena University Saints on Dec. 3 followed by a matchup against the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Lowell River Hawks over the weekend.
In the competitive matchup against the Siena Saints, the Chargers fell short 80-54. Lindsay Hogan provided an early spark with a quick layup and a defensive steal, while Aniya McDonald-Perry contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds, controlling the boards and scoring in traffic. The team’s bench added valuable minutes, hitting timely shots and helping maintain momentum when Siena started to pull ahead. Several fast-break opportunities and a three-pointer late in the second quarter kept the game close and gave the Chargers chances to stay in contention.
Shooting consistency proved a challenge, as the team finished shooting 32 percent from the field, but they stayed competitive through smart ball movement and defensive effort. Hogan made key drives in the fourth quarter, and McDonald-Perry’s defensive presence led to multiple turnovers.
In their face off against UMass Lowell, the Chargers lost 60-43. Hogan and McDonald-Perry led the team’s effort, combining for 16 points and 16 rebounds while providing energy on both ends of the floor. Addisen Sulikowski and Jasmine McKay added timely scoring off the bench, helping the Chargers stay within striking distance in the first half. Early fast-break opportunities and three-pointers from Hogan, McDonald-Perry and Sulikowski kept the game competitive, but UMass Lowell’s sharpshooters, led by Sabrina Larsson with 22 points, slowly built a lead with efficient scoring from beyond the arc.
New Haven finished 30.4 percent from the field and 26.3 percent from three-point range, while UMass Lowell connected on 41.3 percent overall and 50 percent from long range. Despite the deficit, the Chargers showed resilience with solid defensive plays, including multiple blocks and steals from McDonald-Perry, Hogan and bench contributions that kept the team moving offensively.
The women’s basketball team now has an overall record of 2-6. The Chargers will host the St. John’s University Thunderbirds on Dec. 17 for a non-conference matchup. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. at The Hazell Center. For more information, visit New HavenChargers.com.
