Wooster Falls to Undefeated Bluffton in Non-Conference Action

WOOSTER, Ohio - The College of Wooster women's basketball team outscored Bluffton University in the third period, but a steady shooting night from the Beavers propelled Bluffton to a 95-64 non-conference victory on Friday evening at Timken Gymnasium in Wooster, Ohio.

Bluffton (8-0), one of 23 remaining undefeated teams in Div. III, had an electric start to the contest, shooting 62.2 percent (23-for-37) in the first half. For the game, the Beavers connected at a 55.1 percent clip from the field.

Wooster (5-4), briefly led at 4-2 as junior Rachel Collins and first-year Anna Gibbs connected on two floaters in the paint. From there, Bluffton went on a 14-1 run to open up a 16-5 advantage prior to senior Lauren Hancher breaking up the stretch with a pair of free throws.

The Beavers added an 11-2 run in the second period, to push the advantage to 22 at 38-16. Senior Sydney Grier and Collins answered right back, sinking a pair of 3-pointers on two of the Fighting Scots' next three possessions, as part of an 8-2 Wooster run.

Wooster had a big momentum shift midway through the third period when first-year Shar Hankerson scored six straight points, prior to sophomore Aki Shurelds knocking down a 3-pointer to cap a 9-0 run, that cut Wooster's deficit to 13 at 63-50 with 4:10 remaining in the frame.

Earlier, in the frame, Wooster had an impressive 6-0 stretch with an and-one from Gibbs, followed by a 3-pointer from Grier.

The Scots' second-half momentum carried over to the fourth period, when a Collins 3-pointer, coupled with a Hancher jumper cut the gap to 15 at 73-58. Bluffton, who had five players in double-figures, showcased its depth with an ensuing 10-0 clip, a stretch that saw four different players contribute points, to put the contest out of reach.

Gibbs and Hankerson led the Scots with 12 points each, with the former adding five assists on the night. Of note, the under-sized Scots' quickness paid off on the glass, as both teams finished with 42 rebounds, thanks in large part to junior Natalie Coschigano's seven, a total that matched her career-best.

Macey Sheerer led all scorers with 21 points, finishing with identical 7-for-8 totals on field goals and free throws. The Beavers' Rachel Beining added a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Wooster returns to action with a 2 p.m. contest on Monday at Muskingum University (1-6).