Box Score

FROSTBURG, Md. – Immaculata University's women's basketball team opened the 2012-13 season Friday night at the Jim Crawley Tournament falling to Albright, 69-55, in the opening round.
 
Immaculata (0-1) posted a trio of scorers in double figures led by 12 points apiece from Chrissy Esbensen and Alison Zimny. Esbensen and Zimny each grabbed five rebounds to lead the Mighty Macs on the boards as well. Esbensen also had a team-high five steals. Brittany Merkle recorded a career-best 10 points to also finish in double digits.
 
Albright opened the game outscoring Immaculata during the first 7:11 of the first half, 14-2, and the Lions continued to extend their lead to 24-5 with 8:41 remaining in the opening period.
 
However, after trading a pair of free throws, the Mighty Macs began to take control during the final eight minutes of the half. Immaculata went on a 12-2 run to cut Albright's lead to 28-19 in less than three minutes. Zimny scored 10 straight points during the spurt for the Mighty Macs, including knocking down back-to-back 3-pointers.
 
Esbensen brought Immaculata within its closest margin of Albright during the opening stanza, 34-30, with her layup with 1:29 to play before halftime. The Lions eventually took a seven-point advantage into the locker room, 38-31.  
 
Albright came out of halftime with a spark, outscoring Immaculata during the first 10 minutes of the second half, 20-7, to lead 58-38 with 10:20 remaining in the game. The Lions led 63-40 just inside five minutes to play in the contest when the Mighty Macs made a push to close the point differential. Immaculata went on a 12-2 run to come within 65-52 of Albright with 2:23 remaining, and forced the Lions to call timeout.  
 
Immaculata continued to narrow the gap during the closing minute as Mackie Fitzgerald connected on a trey to bring the Mighty Macs within 67-55 with 41 seconds left. The Lions converted at the free throw line during the final seconds to hold on for a 69-55 win.
 
Albright (1-0) was led by Tara Sabotchick's 14 points, and Shawn Barczynski led the Lions on the glass with nine rebounds.
 
Immaculata will play host Frostburg State in the consolation game Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. Albright advances to the championship game against Rowan.