WASHINGTON, D.C. - The women's basketball team traveled to Gallaudet University to compete in the Gallaudet University Holiday Tournament, December 5-6. Over the two day tournament, the women struggled to find their rhythm against their opponents and left the competition without a win.
The first day of the tournament the Patriots went up against host school, Gallaudet University. The Bison controlled the floor from start to finish, allowing the Patriots to record just 19 points over the two halves. The Patriots allowed the Bison to record 30 points off of their 34 turnovers. Plagued by their numerous mistakes, the Patriots dropped the first game of the tournament, 19-61. With the loss, the women moved on to the consolation round, facing Trinity Washington University.
Heading into the consolation round, the Patriots were determined to put their last game behind them and come out strong against the Trinity Washington Tigers.
The Patriots came out to a solid start, going on a 13-0 run to lead the tigers, 13-0, with just over 10 minutes left to play in the first half. Focusing on moving the ball and keeping their turnovers to a minimum, the women were able to limit their errors and keep the Tigers away. As the last ten minutes ticked away, the Patriots continued to build a strong double-digit advantage, keeping the Tigers guessing who would take the shot. As the teams headed into the locker room the Patriots led the Tigers, 33-16.
Carrying their momentum into the second half, the Patriots pushed their lead even further, leading by 21 points, 37-18, with 18:40 on the board. The women continued to work, holding strong until just under 15 minutes left to play. After the Tigers called a quick timeout, the tide appeared to completely change and move away from the Patriots. Over the next ten minutes the Patriots watched as their strong lead diminished to nearly nothing. Just under five minutes to play, the Patriots looked as their lead went from 20 points to just three, 53-50. Continuing to be riddled with mistakes, the Patriots eventually gave up their lead and in the final minutes allowed the Tigers to overtake them and win the game by 10 points, 57-67.
Through the loss, the Patriots watched as one of their quietest players came alive.
Sayvion Washington, who had been averaging just 6 minutes a game, stepped up and recorded her first career double-double. Washington recorded 16 points while grabbing 16 rebounds! Washington was named to the Gallaudet University Holiday All-Tournament Team!
Bailey Mayforth recorded another double-double, grabbing 11 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and two steals.
Mikala Brinson notched 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
The team rests for the Christmas break, returning to action January 5, 2015. The women will travel to Media, Pa to compete against Penn State Brandywine at 7PM!
Go Patriots!
