Women’s Basketball Wins Opener for First Time Since 2011
For the first time in a few years, the Waynesburg University women’s basketball team is starting off the season 1-0, after a win in its opening contest Tuesday, Nov. 15, against Frostburg State.
“It’s great to be 1-0,” said head coach Sam Jones. “It’s the first time in a while we have started with a win, so it’s pretty nice to get that done.”
The team began its season in a nonconference game at the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse. The Jackets defeated Frostburg State with a final score of 70-61.
“Starting at home, you’re kind of nervous, when you know you have your first season opener,” said junior forward Addy Knetzer. “I’m just really happy we got the win tonight, because it’s the first win I think we’ve got in the past four years. Just starting at home, I think, has something to do with it.”
The Jackets led for a majority of the game, but at the beginning of the second half, Frostburg State began to make a comeback. Waynesburg held its ground, however, and managed to come through with the victory.
“I was very happy with how we played tonight, but we had too many turnovers,” said Jones. “We didn’t box out well in the second half, which kind of led to a little bit of their comeback.”
Leading the Jackets in points was Knetzer, who had seven made field goals and three free throws made, accumulating 17 points. Also contributing on offense were sophomore point guard Monica Starre, with 12 points, and senior guard Katie Gehlmann, who also contributed 12 points.
“I definitely need to execute better,” said Knetzer. “I definitely need to work on my defense. I need to communicate more and things like that. Just be quicker and smarter; it’ll help the team more.”
Knetzer led the team with three offensive rebounds and 11 defensive rebounds.
Waynesburg scored 13 points off turnovers and scored nine second-chance points.
“I think we need to come out in the second half with a little bit more focus and energy,” said Jones. “It wasn’t terrible, but we’ve got to be sharper.”
The Jackets return to action at the Penn State Behrend Tournament, when they play Bluffton University and Defiance College. The games will take place in Erie, Pennsylvania, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18 and 19.