Dan Sherman
Asst. SID
Juniata
814-641-3513
New York, N.Y., The women's basketball team opened its season against Plattsburgh State. The Cardinals defeated the Eagles, 76-66, in the first game of the NYU Tip-Off Tournament.
Natalie Hager (Franklin, PA / Franklin) and Kelsey Livoti (Altoona, PA / Bishop Guilfoyle) led the team with 15 and 14 points each. Hager added 4 steals, 3 assists, and 5 rebounds. Livoti had six rebounds, tallying three steals, and an assist. Rachael Anstine (York, PA / Dallastown) nearly had a double-double with 10 points and seven rebounds. The freshman also blocked a shot and dished out two assists.
Fellow freshman Danielle Atkinson (Lancaster, PA / Lancaster Catholic) and Bailey Swogger (Bellwood, PA / Bellwood Antis) also contributed. Atkinson led the team with five steals, totaling four rebounds and three assists as well. Swogger led with four assists, bringing down two rebounds as well.
Up 36-33 at the half, the Cardinals went on a 7-0 run after the break to build a ten-point lead over the Eagles. Plattsburgh State dominated in the second half, leading 56-36 with just over 12 minutes left in regulation. The Eagles were able to chip away, but could not overcome the 20-point deficit.
Juniata is 0-1 to start the season and will play Western Connecticutt State in the third place game of the tournament on Sunday. Game time from New York is set for 12:00 pm.