The Dickinson Women’s Basketball team is off to a solid start this season. After opening with two non-conference wins against Hollins and Penn-State Harrisburg, the team split two decisions at the Ithaca College Invitational. Most recently Coach Bixby’s team opened conference play with two losses to McDaniel and Gettysburg.

In their first game of the season against Hollins University, the team won by a large margin, beating their opponent 71-36. Dickinson jumped out to an early 18-12 lead amd then added a 9-0 run before Hollins would answer with a three-pointer. Helen Roberts ’17 had a huge third quarter for the Red Devils as they pulled ahead 49-29 and would never look back. Roberts led the way with 21 points and Mary Martin ’17 added 10 rebounds.

Dickinson was able to build another early lead against Penn-State Harrisburg thanks to strong play from Sam Kennedy ’16 and Mackenzie Skeritt ’18 who teamed up for several key baskets in the 71-58 victory. Yet despite strong offensive play for Dickinson, the Lions were able to hang tough. Penn State rallied within nine before the Red Devils were able to hold off their opponent for their second consecutive win.

At  Ithaca Dickinson fell short in their first matchup with Coast Guard 66-44 before bouncing back against Bard 60-52.

The difference in the first game came from the Bears advantage on the boards as Coast Guard outrebounded Dickinson 52-34. Additionally the Red Devils committed 24 turnovers, which led to 28 Coast Guard points. Kassidy Lesher ’18 led Dickinson with 7 rebounds as Sam Kennedy added 17 points.

In the consolation game of the Invitational, Dickinson pulled out arguably their best win of the season against Bard. Mairead Donahue ’18 and Jackie Joyce ’19 both were on point from long-range as the Red Devils built an early lead, heading into the half up 35-20. Once again the Red Devils held off a late rally with clutch free throws and defense. Dickinson shot 40.7% from the field en route to their third win.

Just over a week ago Dickinson encountered McDaniel College, falling 48-38 in a tough game against the preseason conference favorite. The Red Devils came out strong, heading into the second quarter tied with the Terror 11-11. There were contributions across the board as Coach Bixby’s squad attempted to assuage the strong McDaniel attack. Despite the loss it was a good showing in the conference opener.

The Red Devils returned to Carlisle on Tuesday for the conference opener against rival Gettysburg. After heading into halftime down just one, 23-22, Dickinson could not hold off the Bullets as they ultimately fell 53-41. The home team only shot 28% from the field and 57% from the charity stripe. In the second half the defense was unable to stop a strong outing from Gettysburg guard Emma Dorshimer who led both teams with 21 points. Helen Roberts had 17 points for the Red Devils but it was not enough to spark a comeback late in the game.

After their 3-3 start, the team remains optimistic about their chances this season. Leading up to Winter Break the women’s team has one more home game Saturday December 5th against Haverford as they continue in conference play.