The Women’s Basketball team split two games this past week to finish out their schedule prior to the winter pause, losing to Ursinus on the road 59-49 before rebounding at home against Haverford 43-37. With their first conference win over the weekend the team improved to 1-3 in conference and 4-4 overall.

On Thursday Coach Bixby’s team traveled to Collegeville to face off against the Bears in their third straight conference game. Dickinson started strong off the opening tip-off, leading the Bears 13-12 at the end of the first quarter. Jackie Joyce ’19 and Mairead Donahue ’18 both hit tough shots for the Red Devils to finish out the quarter.

  The Red Devils were particularly effective on the boards against the Bears. Helen Roberts ’17 led the team with 10 rebounds and also added five points. Upperclassmen Sam Kennedy ‘16 and Mary Martin ’17 also helped Dickinson hang in the game despite Ursinus forcing several turnovers and taking the lead. At the half the Bears led by a slim margin, 31-27.

   In the second half the game continued to be a tough, contested battle as both teams tried to gain the upper hand. Mackenzie Skerritt ’18 had several big layups down the stretch, coming off the bench for the Red Devils. She led the team with 13 points on the night. However it was Ursinus who came out on top. They were able to hit multiple free throws and ultimately put the game out of reach for the Red Devils as the home team went on to win 59-49.

   Back at home on Saturday afternoon Dickinson was able to recover en route to their first conference team. It was an even lower scoring affair and the Red Devils buckled down defensively against a resurgent Fords squad with contributions across the board. To start off Haverford came out strong in the first half. After a 9-0 run midway through the second quarter the away team led 19-18 at the break.

Yet Dickinson showed resiliency that we really haven’t yet seen this season. They answered in the second half with a 9-0 run of their own with help from Roberts and Kennedy. Dickinson was able to hold the Fords scoreless for the last 5:56 of the game with excellent defense. They were able to pull out the 43-37 win. It was their first of the season at home and in-conference.

Speaking about the win with Red Devils Sports Network broadcaster Graham Klimley ’19, Sam Kennedy said, “We’ve been working really hard, so it’s a great win. We love it.” And on second half adjustments that “we’ve had a pattern this year of coming out and having a lull in the second half. Today we really wanted to play good defense after the break” emphasizing that it was something Coach Bixby had stressed in the locker room. Additionally Kennedy added that despite the long layoff before their next game, the team will continue to work hard throughout the end of the semester and over the holidays.

The Women’s team will tip off next on Jan. 3 against Delaware Valley College before returning to conference play against Muhlenberg on Thursday Jan. 7.