ESU Women’s Basketball Fires Up After Half-Time

Photo Credit/ Laura Sarria ESU sophomore Amanda Pike (14) shooting for a three against Cadwell junior Tina Lebron (3) on Nov. 13.

Laura Sarria

Sports Editor

The Warriors came back stronger after the first half and overcame Caldwell University. ESU defeated Caldwell to a 62-53 victory at the Koehler Fieldhouse on Nov. 13.

After two tough, close games, the Warriors hustled for their first win of the season.

“We have been struggling not coming strong enough in the first half with our preseason games so far,” said redshirt freshman Julia Kutz.

“Our emphasis today was really coming out the second half and that is what we did.”

With their previous tight 85-88 loss against New Haven on Nov. 10, the Warriors knew what needed to be improved.

“One of our weaknesses is defense,” said Kutz.

“We are really trying to emphasize to stay strong in defense at practice.”

With the Warriors left at a losing 30-24 stand at halftime, the Warriors found a strategy coming right out to the third quarter.

“We work really well together,” said Kutz. “Once we figured out that the opening was in the middle, we got good cuts and worked together.”

As the momentum kept rising, the Warriors kept pushing to defeat the Cougars.

The Warriors and Cougars were neck and neck until the teams were tied 51-51 with five minutes remaining of the game.

“We try not to look at the scoreboard,” said Kutz, “we just focus on passing and scoring more shots.”

With their strategy flowing, the Warriors continued making the shortcuts and scoring a few more baskets – finishing the game with a 62-53 victory.

As every team’s goal, the Warriors are working hard every day to beat their opponents to qualify for the championships.

“We are trying to look on a weekly basis to get a win in the preseason before competing against the PSAC,” said Kutz. 

“Once we get into the PSAC’s, we would have to win every game to try to get to the championship.”

The Warriors lost against Chestnut Hill 66-71 on Nov. 20 and against Jefferson 56-70 on Nov. 25. With the two unfortunate tough losses after Caldwell, the Warriors are keeping their heads high.

They will compete against their first PSAC opponent — Mercyhurst — this Saturday, Dec. 1 at 1 p.m at the Koehler Fieldhouse.

The Warriors will then face their second PSAC opponent on Monday, Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. against Slippery Rock.

Come to support your warriors at the Koehler Fieldhouse or tune in on ESPN Poconos radio at 8:40 a.m.!

Email Laura at:

lsarria@live.esu.edu