GWYNEDD (Pa.) – The Delaware Valley University women's basketball team opened its 2022-23 campaign at Gwynedd Mercy University's two-day tip-off tournament on Friday night and took on the host Griffins, but dropped an 80-63 decision.
Each team struggled in the opening quarter, shooting under 40-percent from the field and combining for 18 turnovers. The Aggies made just three field goals and trailed 16-8 after one.
Gwynedd Mercy improved its shooting percentage to 40% in the second quarter, while DelVal's remained below 30% as the offensive woes continued and the Griffins took a 42-25 lead into the half.
After Haley Crossley made two free throws to open the third quarter, the Aggies put together a 13-0 run behind seven points from Haley Keenan and six from Dom Moser to make it a 7-point game, 44-37, halfway through the third.
Keenan would score 13 points in the third quarter, but the home team continued to respond on the offensive end as it grew its lead back to double digits and took a 60-47 lead into the fourth quarter.
Once again, DelVal came out hot to start a new quarter as it ripped off an 8-0 run to pull within five, 60-55, and once again it was the duo of Keenan and Moser that combined for all eight points.
From there, Gwynedd went on an 11-2 run to regain its double digit lead at 71-57 with under five minutes left in regulation. The Griffins pushed the run to 20-8 to close the game and earn a 17-point victory.
DelVal was called for 23 personal fouls in the game as Moser and Taylor Richardson both fouled out. Keenan led all scorers with 26 points to go with three rebounds and two steals and Moser followed with 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals. First-years Alexis Wright and Maisie Neuber had 10 and nine rebounds, respectively.
The defense forced the Griffins into 22 turnovers, but DelVal was outrebounded, 54-41. Natalie O'Neill hauled in 18 boards to go with seven points and Lynzie Eggers finished with 19 points and nine rebounds. Elise Sylvester added 18 points and six assists for Gwynedd.
The Aggies will look to bounce back in tomorrow's consolation game against the loser of the Scranton and William Patterson contest. The consolation game is set for 12 p.m. tomorrow.
