SALISBURY, Md.- The Immaculata women's basketball team (3–1) rebounded convincingly from Wednesday's setback, defeating Kean University 72–50 on Saturday in the opening round of the Governor's Challenge Tournament.
Carly Coleman powered the Mighty Macs with a dominant all-around performance, posting a double-double with 16 points and a career-high 17 rebounds, while adding seven assists and six steals.
Olivia Ettorre complemented the effort with 15 points, four rebounds, and two steals.
With the victory, Immaculata advances to Sunday's Tournament Championship Game, where the Mighty Macs will face host Salisbury at 5 p.m.
COACH WHALEN'S COMMENTS
"We are glad to get back into the win column today. It was a solid team effort that everyone contributed to. We have some more work to do heading in to tomorrow against a talented Salisbury team. It will be a tough game that we are looking forward to competing in."
HOW IT HAPPENED AGAINST KEAN
- With the game tied midway through the first quarter, Olivia Ettorre scored on a layup, and Riley Cassidy and Abby Grillo hit three-pointers on consecutive trips down the floor as Immaculata built a 17-9 lead.
- Carly Coleman scored on a jumper late in the quarter as Immaculata led 24-11 after the first quarter.
- In the second quarter, Kean cut the lead to 26-17 with 8:31 remaining in the quarter. Ettorre hit a three-pointer and hit a pair of free throws as Immaculata carried a 39-24 into the halftime break.
- Ettorre got Immaculata going early in the third quarter with another three-pointer, and Carly Coleman hit 5 out 7 free throws in the third quarter as immaculata led 56-36 entering the fourth quarter.
- In the fourth quarter, Cassidy Perri, Coleman, Sabrina Little, and Julia Pohl all scored on layups. Abby Grillo hit a three-pointer, and Riley Cassidy and Adriana Bristow each hit a pair of free throws as Immaculata closed out the win 72-50.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Carly Coleman delivered a standout performance with 16 points, a career-high 17 rebounds, seven assists, and six steals.
- Olivia Ettorre added 15 points, four rebounds, and two steals.
- Riley Cassidy finished with nine points, three rebounds, and two assists.
- Sabrina Little recorded a season-high nine points on 4-of-6 shooting.
- Abby Grillo contributed seven points, three rebounds, and two steals.
- Meg Robbins posted four points, eight rebounds, and three steals.
- First Collegiate Points: Congratulations to Keira Benoit, Adriana Bristow, and Sofia Kouridakis, who each scored their first collegiate points in the win.
- Team Statistics: Immaculata shot 38.9% (21–54) from the field, 35.7% (5–14) from three, and 65.8% (25–38) at the line. The Macs added nine second-chance points, 28 points in the paint, and 14 points off turnovers.
UP NEXT
The Immaculata women's basketball team will be back in action on Sunday when they play Salisbury in the Governor's Challenge Tournament Championship game at 5 p.m. at the Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury, Md.
