The Chargers couldn’t get back in the win column against the American International College (AIC) Yellow Jackets during their senior recognition game Saturday. The score was 70-56.
Prior to tipoff, New Haven honored five seniors, Sabria Ahayeva; Charlotte Bassett; Paige Cote; Nayeli Dowding, and Bianca Pendleton.
Cote, a graduate student, said the program has been good for her, and though she only had one season with the Chargers, she said she made many friendships and memories.
“My final message to my teammates would just be a thank you!” said Cote. “They have made my last season of basketball the best one yet and I will miss all of the small moments with them next year.”
Bassett, who has played on the team all four years of her collegiate career, remembered a career highlight where she scored a buzzer beater to come back against Saint Anselm in the 2023-2024 season. Bassett said she has connected with game day workers and said she loves them all like family, especially Tyler Rodriguez, who has provided photos and videos from each of her seasons with the Chargers.
“I have two brothers who I love so much, but you all [teammates] have shown me an immense amount of love over the years that I couldn’t have learned anywhere else or from another group of sisters,” she said. “That’s girlhood for you.”
Bassett led the Chargers with 13 points after shooting 5-for-8 from the field and 1-for-3 from behind the three-point arc. She also had seven rebounds, one assist and a steal. Ahayeva and Dowding each scored nine points. Ahayeva had seven rebounds, three steals and two assists. Dowding had one rebound and assist. Cote finished the game with five points, three rebounds and three assists. Pendleton had four points and finished the game shooting 2-for-5 from the field. She added two rebounds and an assist.
Ahayeva thanked her teammates and reminded them that “no matter what, no matter when, you’ll remember that I’ve got you and I’ll ride or die with all of you.”
“To a freshman Sabi, I would say: “Girl, you are the realest GOAT out there,” she said. “You’ve got everything—never lose your confidence and power. Love yourself first and always be proud of the incredible woman you are becoming.”
Pendleton said incoming player will have ups and downs, but their careers will be about how they handle adversity.
“The team has taught me how to be resilient and face challenges, as well as to value friendships especially when you spend so much time with a group of girls,” said Pendleton.
As a transfer, Dowding said that she would tell her younger self to trust the process and love the moment she is in just a bit more.
“I’m happy I got to end it this way, with my fellow seniors who have gone through this tough journey with me and who have accepted me as I am since they met me,” said Dowding. “I appreciate them all a lot.”
After the loss to AIC, the Chargers have an overall record of 13-9 and 8-8 in conference play. New Haven will be back in action at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Goldstein Fitness Center against Pace University. For more information, visit NewHavenChargers.com.
