SWARTHMORE, Pa. - Swarthmore College Women's Basketball knocked off nationally ranked No. 22 University of Mary Washington, 65-60, in an non-conference battle at Tarble Pavilion on Wednesday evening. The Garnet improve to 9-4, while the Eagles drop to 13-3.
The victory over Mary Washington was the first victory over a nationally ranked opponent in program history. Entering Wednesday's game, the Garnet had an 0-27 record against ranked opponent with their last contest against #22 Gettysburg on February 1st, 2020.
After battling back from an early first quarter deficit, Swarthmore opened the first 5:15 of the second frame with an 11-0 run.
Dana Bandurick tied the game up at 15 with a made free throw, and
Alyssa Hayashi hit jumper to give the Garnet its first lead of the game. On the next possession for the Garnet, Bandurick grabbed an offensive board and put the ball back up for another two point play. Tory Martin had an errant play for the Eagles, as
Colleen Anderson forced the turnover. The offensive possession for Swarthmore didn't go empty as
Erin Cronin hit a mid-range jumper for a six point Swarthmore lead. Hayashi added another two baskets for the Garnet before Elizabeth Dufrane ended the Swarthmore run. The Garnet closed the quarter with the final four points as they took a 35-21 lead into the half-time break.
Mary Washington looked to begin their fight back in the opening minute of the third quarter as they scored the opening four points. The opening minute saw the Eagles hit a pair of baskets, with a Hayashi offensive foul squeezed in the middle. After the second bucket by Mary Washington, the Garnet went on an 8-0 behind Hayashi, Bandurick and
Norah Wingfield.
Kim Kockenmeister hit a jumper to keep the Swarthmore lead at double-digits. The Eagles rebounded in the final quarter to get within three points with less than three minutes remaining in the contest.
T Sallie gave the Garnet a six point lead, but it was immediately answered by a three from Bri Harper. Hayashi regained the lead six point lead for Swarthmore with a three of her own, but Harper immediately answered again as the Garnet led 60-57. The Eagles turned a Garnet turnover into two points as the lead shrunk to one. Bandurick, Wingfield and Hayashi came through as they each went 5-of-8 to ice the game from the free throw line.
Four players scored double-digit points for the Garnet. Hayashi led the way with 17 points, while Bandurick added 17 points. Sallie and Kockenmeister finished the game with 11 points and 10 points, respectively. Bandurick added three steals, three blocks and led the way with eight boards, while Sallie finished with seven. Cronin added a season high six boards. The Garnet scored 16 points off of 19 Mary Washington turnovers.
Carolina Lopez recorded a season high four steals, and Kockenmeister finished with three.
Swarthmore returns to the court on Saturday as they travel to Carlisle, Pa. to take on Dickinson College (5-8, 4-5 CC). Tip-off for the crucial Centennial Conference contest is slated for 2:00 p.m.
