HUNTINGDON, Pa. – The Juniata women's basketball team defeated Salisbury 57-50 in the championship game of the JC Holiday Tournament on Tuesday afternoon in Memorial Gymnasium. 

Bri Bodtorf led the Eagles with a game-high 20 points, shooting 9-of-12 from the field, and grabbed five rebounds. Haily Sherman added 17 points, including eight field goals, and contributed six rebounds. Laney Gerdich finished with 11 points and four boards, while Steph Emert totaled four points, three rebounds, and a game-high four assists.

The game was tightly contested throughout, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. Juniata's balanced scoring and solid defense led them to a convincing victory. Juniata trailed 50-49 with 3:05 left to play in the contest. A Sherman steal with an assisted bucket by Bodtorf gave the Eagles a 51-50 lead. The Eagles closed out the final 3 minutes with a 9 to 0 run consisting of 3 more steals from Sherman, Bodtorf and Emert. This is an impressive showing that the Eagles will be celebrating no doubt!

Juniata shot 46.3% from the field, including a strong 9-of-12 effort in the second half, and controlled the boards with a 36-37 rebounding advantage. Defense certainly proved to be important as Salisbury, struggled offensively, shooting just 32.8% from the floor and 15% from beyond the arc. 

The Eagles surged in the second half, as Sherman and Bodtorf combined for 17 of Juniata's 32 second-half points. Salisbury's shooting woes continued, and despite a late push, the Sea Gulls couldn't close the gap, with Juniata taking a 57-50 victory.

Juniata will return to action on January fourth, away at Lebanon Valley at 1:00 PM.