(box score)
Widener was done in by two big runs and solid second-half shooting from No. 10 Lebanon Valley in a 72-63 Commonwealth Conference loss in Annville, PA.
Lauren Ruhl was the key in the first spurt, scoring eight points that included a pair of 3-pointers in a 14-4 burst. This gave the Dutchmen a 51-40 lead with 8:07 remaining.
Widener (15-6, 6-4 CC), ranked fourth in this week's NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Rankings, stuck around courtesy of a 12-4 run in just over two minutes for a 59-56 deficit with 3:21 left. Kate Dellinger (Wrightsville, PA) scored four points in that run with fellow sophomores Lil Carney (Narberth, PA) and Francesca Lee (Hainesport, NJ) adding three apiece.
But Lebanon Valley (20-1, 10-0), first in the regional rankings, iced things with a 10-2 run over 2 1/2 minutes for a 72-61 lead with 25 seconds to play. Suzie Noyes netted five points in that span, ending it with a conventional three-point play.
Dellinger scored 19 points, Carney netted 15 and freshman Joanna Persiano (Ventnor, NJ) added 10 off the bench for Widener, which shot only 35 percent (22-of-63) from the floor.
The Dutchmen's shooting was a big part of the story. They connected on 64 percent (14-of-22) from the field in the second half that included 9-of-13 from two-point range. Lebanon Valley shot 57 percent (25-of-44) overall and 7-of-14 from beyond the arc.
Ruhl ended with 16 points, fellow reserve Tierney Hiltz scored 13, Liz Borgia netted 13 and Noyes added 12.
Widener on Wednesday hosts Alvernia at 6:00 pm as part of our “Widener White Out.” Pride fans in attendance will receive a free “Widener White Out” t-shirt.
