EMMITSBURG, Md. (December 17, 2022) – Mount St. Mary's women's basketball received an unwelcome reception to play in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Facing the Manhattan Jaspers, the Mount fell in the conference opener by a 64-46 final.  
 
The opposing defense locked down on the coverage, holding the Mount to under 10 field goals for almost three quarters. A strong start and second half for sophomore Jo Raflo gave her 19 points for a new career best. Jessica Tomasetti added 12 more to post double figures.  
 
Bella Nascimento paved the way for Manhattan, coming within two of her career high with 21 points. Dee Dee Davis landed a point short of a double-double.
 
Mount St. Mary's drops to 4-5 (0-1 MAAC) while Manhattan improves to 3-6 (1-0 MAAC).
 
The Jaspers took control from the tip, building a lead in gradual fashion. Using their smothering defense, Manhattan discombobulated the Mountaineers to commit 12 first half turnovers, allowing for 11 points off the giveaways. Rebounding was also an issue as the home side earned 11 second chance points off seven offensive boards. A few minutes into the second quarter, the Jaspers accumulated a double-digit lead and maintained it to the break, 36-21.
 
Manhattan remained unrelenting to start the second half. Nascimento scored six points within the first four minutes, bumping the lead up to 22 and forcing another Mountaineers timeout. A late run by Raflo and company stymied a scoring drought but made only a temporary and partial dent on the scoreboard.  
 
The fourth quarter passed in quiet fashion, with the Mount edging the Jaspers 11-7 in points. A driving layup by Raflo with 1:18 to go earned her the career high.
 
Mount St. Mary's hosts Siena Monday (Dec. 19) evening. Tip-off is 7 p.m. from Knott Arena.