Women’s basketball ends seven-game winning streak at Saint Joseph’s

The University of Richmond women’s basketball team's seven-game winning streak came to an end after being defeated by Saint Joseph’s University 54-74 Wednesday night. 

In the first five minutes of the game, the SJU Hawks were able to set a 10-point lead with multiple field goals and a three after a turnover.  Nevertheless, the Spiders were able to close the gap to two points in the final minute of the quarter with field goals from sophomore guard Addie Budnik, first-year guard Katie Hill and two free throws from sophomore guard Siobhan Ryan. 

The second quarter proved challenging for the Spiders and the Hawks as both teams exhibited subpar offense.

“[Saint Joseph’s] took us out of the game, and we just weren’t ourselves,” said Aaron Roussell,

women’s basketball head coach

The Hawks were first to score in the second quarter with a jump shot, but senior guard Claire Holt was quick to react seconds later with a three-pointer with 9:18 on the clock. The Spiders wouldn't score again until the 4:52 mark with two free throws from sophomore guard Grace Townsend, which was followed by a jumper by senior guard Kate Klimkiewicz, bringing the score to 23-26. The Spiders entered halftime 31-32, and the remaining scores were field goals by senior forward Emma Squires, Klimkiewicz and Townsend. 

Ryan’s layup and three opened the third quarter, securing a 38-35 lead for the Spiders. Saint Joseph’s responded with a 16-0 point run against the Spiders, gaining a 55-40 lead. Budnik broke the Hawks streak with a field goal and a free throw, and the quarter ended 43-55 with the Hawks leading. 

In the final quarter, the Spiders opened up with a three-pointer from Squires, but the excitement was short-lived after a seven-point run by Saint Joseph’s. At 7:02, Ryan was fouled and went 1-2 with free throws. At 6:13, Townsend was also fouled and went 1-2 with free throws as well. Hill followed Townsend with a fast break and a layup, bringing the score to 50-64. Seconds later, Budnik added another field goal, closing the gap to a 12-point deficit and marking her ninth point of the game. In the final two minutes, Klimkiewicz secured her 11th point of the game with a field goal and brought the game to a final score 54-74. 

“This will be a character test for our team. We had a good thing going, and we need to get back to the habits that put us where we are now,” Roussell said.

Klimkiewicz and Townsend led the Spiders with 11 points each, and Ryan and Budnik were close behind with nine points each. Budnik and Klimkiewicz tied for rebounds with seven each, and Klimkiewicz made four steals from the Hawks, two of which were made into baskets.

The Spiders shot a low 34% successful field goals going 21-62 with attempts, 34 points from within the paint. When compared to the Spiders, the Hawks shot 50% going 30-60 with 40 points from the paint.