Strong Bench Play Helps Eagles Hold Off Goucher

HUNTINGDON, Pa. - Juniata College's depth and ball-handling allowed the Eagles to overcome a solid shooting performance by Goucher College and eventually post a 61-53 victory over the Gophers, in Landmark Conference women's basketball action Sunday afternoon at the Kennedy Sports + Recreation Center in Huntingdon, Pa.

Juniata (14-8, 7-4) committed a season-low 11 turnovers, countering an offense that struggled to find its shooting touch in the highly physical game and finished just 23-59 (.390) from the field. Goucher (7-14, 2-9) shot 47.9% (23-48) from the field, including 52.2% (12-23) in the second half.

The Eagles are received 32 points off the bench, including a team-high 12 points by Claudia McDowell (Alexandria, Pa./Juniata Valley) and another 10 points by Kelly Ashcraft (Bellefonte, Pa./State College).

Juniata's 29-25 halftime lead evaporated in the opening minute of the second half, as Goucher scored a pair of quick baskets by Shadae Swan and Francheska Guilfu to tie the game.

After the two teams traded jumpers, the Eagles went on a 9-0 run with four different players contributing points: a jumper by Court Callas (Sarver, Pa./Freeport) triggered the run, followed by a three-pointer by Emily Hauser (Pittsburgh, Pa./Mt. Lebanon), a basket by Gina Piccolini (Indiana, Pa./Indiana), and a pair of free throws by McDowell.

Goucher would cut the Juniata lead to five points on two occasions, but would never get any closer. Swan led the Gophers with 18 points, while Leia Roberts-Brown tallied 12 points for Goucher.

Juniata will return to action on Saturday, Feb. 16, when it travels to Madison, N.J., to face Drew University.