BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Juniata women's basketball team wrapped up their 2015-16 season with an 85-58 loss to Moravian Saturday evening.
The Eagles had a strong first quarter performance led by Natalie Hager (Franklin, Pa. / Franklin) and Dani Atkinson (Lancaster, Pa. / Lancaster Catholic). Hager put up seven points, including a layup at 5:27 that sparked a 7-0 run for JC. Juniata led Moravian 13-7 before Alexis Wright broke up the run with two free throws. Katy Leamer (Altoona, Pa. / Bellwood-Antis) hit a jumper at 3:40 to keep the Juniata lead at six. Ariana Caiati (Hellertwon, Pa. / Wilson Area) then drew a foul and went 2-2 to make it 17-9 Eagles with just over three minutes remaining.
A three-pointer from Atkinson gave Juniata their largest lead of the game (20-11) with 2:45 to play in the first. The Greyhounds played lights out the rest of the period and went on an 11-0 run to take a 22-20 lead into the second.
Moravian carried their momentum into the second quarter, outscoring the Eagles 28-12. The Greyhounds continued their aggressive play in the second half and went on to win by a final of 85-58.
Hager led Juniata with 11 points and nine rebounds (seven defensive). Katy Leamer and Atkinson finished with nine points each. Katy added nine rebounds and Atkinson picked up three assists. Kelly Leamer (Altoona, Pa. / Bellwood-Antis) finished the game with eight points and six rebounds. Bethany Spencer (York, Pa. / York Suburban) finished the game with a team-leading four assists.
Defensively, Bailey Swogger (Tyrone, Pa. / Bellwood-Antis) led the team with two steals. Hager, Caiati and Rachael Anstine (York, Pa. / Dallastown) each had one block.
Juniata finishes the season with an overall record of 8-17. The Eagles averaged 59.4 points, 42.9 rebounds and 10.9 assists per game. Atkinson led the team in points (272), steals (50) and assists (57).
Also picking up 200-plus points this season was Hager (224), Katy Leamer (214) and Anstine (201). Anstine led the Eagles with 26 blocked shots while Hager led in rebounds with 222.