HUNTINGDON, Pa.- The Juniata women's basketball team played at Memorial Gymnasium for the first time in the New Year. The Eagles hosted the La Roche College Red Hawks on Wednesday night resulting in a 72-45 loss for Juniata.
The Eagles had a promising first quarter, competing hard and putting up 16 points, with help from a gritty two-points from Emelie Nonemaker (Shippensburg, Pa. / Shippensburg Area Senior High School).
Nonemaker??? More like always-maker! #WingsUp #TakingFlight #GoEagles pic.twitter.com/hpPCQqNY01
— Juniata Athletics (@JuniataEagles) January 6, 2022
Juniata was leading La Roche by four points at the buzzer to end the first period, 16-12.
As the second quarter came around, the Eagles had a five-minute drought without finding the bottom of the net before Haily Sherman (Marysville, Pa. / Susquenita High School) broke it by draining a foul shot. Taylor Vrabel (Chambersburg, Pa. / Chambersburg) also attempted to close the gap from the elbow with an easy two points.
Taylor Vrabel attempting to close the gap for the Eagles! #WingsUp #TakingFlight #GoEagles pic.twitter.com/4CRVoOPNzo
— Juniata Athletics (@JuniataEagles) January 6, 2022
The delay of offense from the Eagles allowed the Red Hawks to run up the score as Juniata trailed, 29-17.
With seconds left in the first half, Averie Hess (Jersey Shore, Pa. / Jersey Shore) drove toward the basket, took a step back, and drained a jumper. La Roche banked in one more shot to make the score at 33-26 in favor of the Red Hawks.
La Roche returned to the court determined to extend their lead further by putting up 27 points on the Eagles in the third period.
Steph Emert (Hoovesville, Pa. / North Star High School) had a good night on the floor, including this baseline layup.
Steph Emert goin' coast to coast! #FrequentFlyerMiles #WingsUp #TakingFlight #GoEagles pic.twitter.com/NSv0JcDHgE
— Juniata Athletics (@JuniataEagles) January 6, 2022
With three minutes left in the third, Sarah Betts (Hawk Run, Pa. / West Branch Area High School) received a pass in the paint, put up a lay-up for two. She then turned around, stole a pass from the imbounding La Roche pass to put up another two points for the Eagles. A few moments later Betts hit a three.
Still bettin' on Sarah! #WingsUp #TakingFlight #GoEagles pic.twitter.com/S12Wl36lu7
— Juniata Athletics (@JuniataEagles) January 6, 2022
The fire, unfortunately, sizzled out for the Eagles only being able to put up six points in the last ten minutes of the game. Betts led the team with 14 points with Emert right behind her with 10.
The Eagles will return to the court this Saturday as the team hits the road for Scranton for a tip-off time of 2 pm.
