EMMITSBURG, Md. (January 12, 2023) – Mount St. Mary's women's basketball was shocked in the first half when they found themselves down 17 with a score of 36-19. It was a tough night shooting for the Mountaineers as they found themselves with a loss, the final score being 63-44. The Mountaineers are now 6-9 with a 2-4 conference record.
 
A slow start to the first quarter for the Mountaineers is how they found themselves in a 12-point hole, 20-8. Jessica Tomasetti scored six of the Mount's eight points by the end of the period, shooting 2-4 from the field while missing her only free throw. The Mountaineers shot 3-12 by period end while hitting only one of three free throws and committing four turnovers. On the defensive end the Mountaineers were slow to start, allowing 53 percent (8-15) of Iona's shots to fall.
 
Iona came out with fire to defend their home court from the relentless Mountaineers. The Mountaineers picked up their defensive efforts in the second quarter, allowing only 16 points to their 11. The Mount struggled from three-point land, going just 2-6 in the second quarter and 3-11 in the first half. Tomasetti led the team with nine points, shooting 2-3 from three-point land, while recording two assists, and a steal. The Mount was out rebounded 19-14 and allowed Iona to shoot 62.5 percent from outside the arc in the first half.
 
The troubles that were haunting the Mount in the first half followed them into the third quarter as they shot 1-for-9 from three and shooting 4-14 from the field for the second consecutive quarter. They have been sound on defense, allowing only 13 points in the third, while forcing 11 turnovers to this point.
 
The Mount saw spurts of greatness including Arnya Taylor's block, Michaela Harrison's deep step-back three, and Isabella Hunt's powerful presence in the paint. The triple by Harrison was her 301st, eclipsing any player to don a uniform for the Mountaineers, regardless of gender. 
 
The fourth quarter was more of the same on this off night for the Mountaineers. It was a quiet fourth quarter as the starters were subbed out with roughly five minutes to go. The first half deficit was too much for the Mountaineers to overcome. Natalie Villaflor was the Mount's leading scorer tonight as she finished with 10 points and two assists. The Mount shot 14-for-51 overall from the field while committing 16 turnovers.
 
Mount St. Mary's women's basketball plays at home Saturday at 1 p.m. versus Canisius.