THE HEADLINE: Juniata's women's basketball team defeated Mt. Aloysius on day two of the McDaniel Tip Off Tournament on Nov. 19. Their 84-74 victory is the first of the season, putting them at 1-2.
THE STARTERS:
21 Katy Leamer
42 Kelly Leamer
FIRST HALF: After Bethany Spencer's (York, Pa./York Suburban) steal at the beginning of the game, Katy Leamer (Altoona, Pa./Bellwood-Antis) hit a three to put the Eagles on the board. On the next Juniata possession, Dani Atkinson (Lancaster, Pa./Lancaster Catholic) made a jump shot, making the score 5-0 early in the game. Katy Leamer led the offense in the first quarter with ten points, as made three of her four field goal attempts, two three-pointers and two free throws.
With a Mt. Aloysius layup with 15 seconds left in the first quarter, however, the Mounties led 25-24.
The Mounties continued to extend their lead while the Eagles remained at 24. Spencer tacked three onto the Eagles' score and Rachael Anstine (York, Pa./Dallastown) made a jumper, making the score 39-29.
Despite their offensive efforts, Juniata remained behind at the half, 45-39.
SECOND HALF: Juniata came out strong with a three-pointer by Atkinson, followed by a successful free throw. Down two, Kelly Leamer (Altoona, Pa./Bellwood-Antis) made a layup to tie the game.
Behind 16 points from Atkinson in the second half, the Eagles remained in the lead and won the game 84-74.
KEY PERFORMERS: The offense was not lacking in their win over Mt. Aloysius, as Atkinson (22), Kelly Leamer (13), Katy Leamer (11) and Anstine (10) each recorded double-digit points. Spencer completed six steals.
OFF THE BENCH: Bri Wasser (Ebensburg, Pa./Central Cambria) came off the bench and put up ten points and six rebounds for the Eagles, the most of the bench players.
WHAT'S NEXT?: Juniata is playing Delaware Valley on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m.