The Chargers faced the Franklin Pierce University Ravens for their first conference game of the season last week and won 66-44.
Prior to the match against Franklin Pierce, the Chargers began their season with a 2-0-win streak following the Goldey Beacom Tip Off Tournament. Guard Lindsay Hogan said the “close- knit” team has been preparing for the season for the past three months and couldn’t be more ready to begin their season.
“During pre-season, we were on the track at 6 a.m., in the weight room, and focusing on improving individually,” said Hogan. “In practice, we take a lot of time working through our offense and defenses, and I think this has shown for us so far.”
The Ravens made the scoreboard first with a strong three-pointer and then finished the first quarter with a two-point lead over the Chargers. New Haven’s offense rallied in the second quarter as they outscored Franklin Pierce 19-10 and entered halftime with a 10-point lead. In the second half both teams fought offensively in the respective quarters, but the Ravens were unable to catch up to get themselves out of the deficit.
Guard Charlotte Bassett led the team with 24 points and finished the game shooting 9-for-16 in the field and 4-for-7 from behind the three-point arc. Guard Sabira Ahayeva and forward Aniya McDonald-Perry both secured ten points for the Chargers. Ahayeva tallied seven assists, four steals, and two rebounds while McDonald-Perry had six rebounds and two assists.
Behind New Haven’s leading scorers, four other Chargers were able to put up points against the Ravens. Guard Lindsay Hogan and center Paige Cote each had nine points. Hogan led the team with 11 rebounds and had two assists and steals. Cote secured four rebounds, three blocks, three assists, and a steal. Forward Bianca Pendleton and guard Eveani Okwuosa each scored two points from the field.
With strong team chemistry on and off the court, Hogan said the team will stay persistent in showing up everyday with energy and working for another win.
“Coach Buff always says, ‘focus and flow’ which I think is huge for us to stay locked in,” said Hogan. “I don’t think we need to change anything; however, I would say that we need to stay persistent on the glass and not take shots too early in the shot clock.”
The Chargers finished 40.6% from the shooting field against the Ravens shooting 30%. New Haven shot 6-for-17 from the three-point arc while Franklin Pierce finished 3-for-14. The Chargers tallied 16 personal fouls during the game and led to the Ravens shooting 11-for-15 from the free throw line. New Haven shot 50% from the free throw line following 15 fouls from Franklin Pierce.
With the opening home game of the season approaching, Hogan said the team is excited to play for the home crowd, but also said they need a good week of practice heading into the game in hopes of keeping the streak alive.
Following the win over the Ravens, the New Haven Chargers have an overall record of 3-0 and 1-0 in conference play. The Chargers will host their home season opener at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday against the Pace University Setters. The conference match will be held at the Jeffrey P. Hazell Athletics Center. For more information, visit New HavenChargers.com.
