The women’s basketball team clinched a crucial game on Saturday, Jan. 29, against Ramapo College. The Lions maintained control of the entire game, never losing the lead on the way to their 49-37 victory. Senior center Alex Gregorek led the Lions with 13 points and seven rebounds. Also having a strong performance was junior forward/guard Hannah Tait. Fellow junior guard Jessica Imhof finished the night with eight points, four assists and four steals.
“We tried not to let the snow days affect us,” Imhof said. “We wanted to dictate play and tempo on the floor so we came into the game maybe a little more rested and prepared.”
The Lions’ defensive skills prevented the Roadrunners from scoring after the first half tipoff, but sophomore guard Alexa Ryan finally put points on the board for the visiting side three minutes in.
However, the College continued their pressure and held Ramapo from scoring for the majority of the half, giving them a 23-4 start. By halftime, the Lions were dominating the first half by a score of 28-14.
The second half mirrored the first, as freshman forward/center Liz West helped to extend the Lions’ lead with six rebounds and two assists in the second half. The Lions are now 10-8 overall and 3-4 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. This puts them currently in fourth behind Kean (8-0), Rowan (6-2) and Richard Stockton (5-2). With only six games left in the season, the pressure is on for the Lions to have a shot at postseason success.
“A team goal we have had since October was to make it to NJAC finals,” Imhof said. “These next few weeks of conference play are vital for us. We all believe that this goal of ours can be accomplished if we stick to our game, play with heart and play together.”
Following the midweek snowstorm, their Wednesday game was postponed. The Lions will return home today to play No. 2-ranked Kean University.
“It’s crunch time now and we see every game as an important one especially because they are all conference games,” Imhof said. “We are just trying to stay focused and prepare to the best of our abilities.”
