EMMITSBURG, Md. (January 15, 2021) – A 4-0 Northeast Conference (NEC) start by Mount St. Mary's women's basketball – which would have been their best in 21 years – was turned aside by Sacred Heart Friday (Jan. 15). The Pioneers defended their home court and forged a split in the series with a 79-71 win at the Pitt Center.
 
Kendall Bresee (Frederick, Md.) earned her third double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds. The senior added a career high four blocks to the stat tally. Fellow senior Rebecca Lee came within one point and one board of her own double-double. Kayla Agentowicz and Michaela Harrison reached double figures in scoring. Freshman Jessica Tomasetti had another fine showing with eight points – a perfect 4-of-4 from the floor.
 
Mount St. Mary's (4-3, 3-1 NEC) had some success offensively, scoring 59 percent (23-for-39) from close range. But three-point shooting and foul shots proved elusive, and they struggled on defense, giving up 50 percent (28-for-56) to Sacred Heart (3-5, 3-3 NEC). The Pioneers also bested the Mountaineers in three pointers (40%, 6-of-15) and free throws (80%, 17-of-20).
 
The early moments of the game showed no indication that this would be the final score. Mount St. Mary's started on a 10-2 run over the first five minutes, capped by a Bresse layup. But the second straight hot start failed to deter the Pioneers. Playing aggressive and with good looks from three, the hosts rallied to a 15-15 tie just minutes later. Two makes from Jayla Davis at the charity stripe in the final minute of the quarter gave the Pioneers a 20-19 advantage.
 
The lead kept climbing for Sacred Heart in the second period. They finished the first half shooting over 55 percent from the floor, while also benefiting from a 10-3 foul count. By halftime, Mount St. Mary's found themselves in a 10 point hole.
 
Still determined, the Mountaineers rallied out of the gate. The foul totals evened out somewhat, and the visitors stayed level with the Pioneers to remain in the game. Down 12 with five minutes left in the third, Tomasetti and Bresee combined on a 6-0 run to halve the deficit. Closing in on the fourth quarter, Aryna Taylor hit a clutch triple and Harrison followed with a layup and suddenly the contest flipped into a one possession game.
 
A comeback looked promising when Harrison drained a trey with 8:45 left to knot the score at 59. The Mount had overcome its largest deficit of the season, rallying from 12 points behind. But opportunities to take the lead did not materialize, and Carly Stroemel found pay dirt for the Pioneers with a layup 50 seconds later. That bucket gave Sacred Heart the lead for good, as the Mount was held without a field goal for the final 3:47.
 
SHU was led by Nikki Johnson and Adrianne Hagood, who scored 16 points each. Five Pioneers reached double figures.
 
Next up for Mount St. Mary's is a Tuesday (Jan. 19) showdown with first place Saint Francis U. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. at DeGol Arena.