WILKES-BARRE, PA – Three athletes scored double-digit points to lead the Juniata women's basketball team past the Wilkes University Colonels 77-68 Saturday afternoon.
Natalie Hager (Franklin, PA / Franklin), Katy Leamer (Altoona, PA / Bellwood-Antis) and Dani Atkinson (Lancaster, PA / Lancaster Catholic) were the driving force behind the Eagles' offensive effort.
Leamer scored a team-high 19 points. Hager followed with 17 points and recorded 12 rebounds to earn her second double-double of the season. Atkinson rounded out the double-digit scorers at 12 points.
Kelly Leamer (Altoona, PA / Bellwood-Antis), Bri Wasser (Ebensburg, PA / Central Cambria) and Kaeana Rebert (Hanover, PA / South Western) each finished the game with eight points. Kelly Leamer also recorded three assists.
Bailey Swogger (Tyrone, PA / Bellwood-Antis) picked up four assists to contribute to the offensive effort.
Juniata shot 88.5 percent (23-26) from the foul line and finished the game with a 36.9 shooting percentage. Wasser went 8-8 from the line while Hager and Kelly Leamer went 4-5.
The Eagles' bench players played an important role in the team's success against the Colonels, putting up 44 total points. Katy Leamer led the effort off the bench.
Juniata closed out each half with strong, aggressive play. They recorded 26 points in the second quarter and 21 in the fourth. The only quarter the Eagles were outscored was the first (16-19).
The team effort led to JC advantages in second chance points (21-12), bench points (44-21) and rebounds (47-43). 27 of those rebounds were defensive.
Juniata's defense continues to be a strong part of their game. They recorded 11 steals and forced 21 turnovers. Atkinson led with four steals.
The Eagles return to Landmark Conference play Wed. Jan. 13 to face the Susquehanna Crusaders at Memorial Gym at 7pm.