Setters lights out, sprint past women’s basketball
The New Haven women’s basketball team talks during a timeout against Pace University, West Haven, Nov. 23.
A sloppy second quarter caused the New Haven women’s basketball team to suffer a 72-51 loss against Pace University on Tuesday night. It was a disappointing night for the Chargers, who looked to start strong in conference play on their home court for the first time this season.
It was also the first time in 21 months that the team took the floor, marking the end to another sport’s extended offseason due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Haven came out strong in the first quarter, shooting an efficient 7-14 from the field. A pair of early layups from junior forward Aurora Deshaies, the week one Northeast-10 (NE-10) Player of the Week, put four points on the board. The Pace offense stayed with the Chargers, trading baskets and keeping the score close in the entire first quarter. By the end of the period, the score was knotted at 14.
It was all Pace in the second quarter; the offense couldn’t seem to miss a shot as their lineup fired from all over the court. This knocked New Haven off their feet, as the Chargers offense lacked any rhythm or flow.
A three-pointer from graduate guard Brie Pergola marked the start of a five-minute scoreless drought. The offense was largely stationary, settling for contested attempts late in the shot clock. A layup from senior guard Camryn DeBose and a three from sophomore guard Gabrielle Stickle was the only offense New Haven got for the rest of the quarter.
Meanwhile, the Setters went 12-14 from the floor and scored a staggering 31 points in the 10-minute quarter, taking a 45-22 lead into halftime.
The New Haven offense came out looking more comfortable in the third quarter, forcing less shots and making them at a higher percentage. Their defense also looked stronger, coming out in a half-court press to challenge the Pace offense. New Haven found more success in limiting field goals but were hurt by fouls as they sent the Setters to the line six times. Because of this, Pace maintained their lead and were up 58-32 heading into the final quarter.
With the game largely out of reach, New Haven entered the fourth quarter looking to build momentum moving forward. While they didn’t come all the way back, the offense looked much improved. New Haven’s freshman forward Bianca Pendleton saw her shots go in during the quarter, showing that she may be a tough matchup in the paint for opposing teams this season.
DeBose also continued her team-leading night, tallying her final points on a pair of strong drives. Despite the efforts, Pace remained ahead the rest of the game, riding their hot offense to a 72-51 victory.
DeBose led the way offensively for New Haven, tallying 15 points on 7-13 shooting. Deshaies added eight, while Pendeleton finished her night with seven points. Pergola led the team’s rebounding and assist efforts, with seven and three respectively.
As a team, New Haven finished the night shooting just 38.6% from the field, including only three shots made from beyond the arc and a poor 4-13 from the free throw line. This is an area the Chargers will need to improve throughout the rest of conference play.
With the loss, New Haven falls to 3-2 (0-2 NE-10) and loses their second straight game after starting the season with three out-of-conference wins. Meanwhile, Pace improves to 3-0 (2-0 NE-10).
Women’s basketball returns to the court on Sunday when they welcome Saint Thomas Aquinas College to Charger Gymnasium for a 2 p.m. start time. More information on the game can be found at NewHavenChargers.com.
