WESTMINSTER, MD – The Juniata women's basketball team opened up their season with a 58-41 victory over Mt. Aloysius at the McDaniel Tip-Off Tournament Saturday evening.
The Eagles pulled away from the Mounties at the end of the game and led by as many as 17 points.
Dani Atkinson (Lancaster, PA / Lancaster Catholic) led Juniata by picking up a double-double on 10 rebounds and 16 points. She also added three steals. Maria Photiades (Abottstown, PA / Delone Catholic) finished with 13 points, five rebounds and three steals.
Katy Leamer (Altoona, PA / Bellwood-Antis) picked up three three-point shots and finished with 11 points. Leamer also went 3-for-4 on free throws.
Juniata's defense forced 18 turnovers from the Mounties and held a 23-9 advantage in points off turnovers.
With two minutes remaining in the third quarter, the Mounties rallied and went on a 15-0 run to take a 40-38 lead over Juniata. The Eagles would respond in the fourth quarter by shutting down the Mt. Aloysius offense and holding the Mounties to just one point. Juniata's defense fended off 16 attempted shots from their opponents.
Juniata faces McDaniel 4pm Sunday in the Tournament Championship.