La Salle Defeated In Women’s Basketball Opener

November 30, 2020 –

The La Salle Explorers women’s basketball team got their season underway with a home game against the Towson Tigers. The game was arranged after the original schedule was posted. The result was not what La Salle would have wanted as the short handed Explorers fell 95 – 66 in their first time on the court this season. Still, being able to play was a success for the team.

“I am grateful taking the court tonight,” said La Salle Coach Mountain MacGillivray. “This is a gift to have the opportunity to come out and compete. We’re glad to have the opportunity to do it.”

“I don’t know how much I was expecting out there after have one practice under our belt.”

The Explorers were led by freshman guard Jaye Haynes from Germantown Academy who 16 points and added 2 assists. Forward Haleigh Hill added 10 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Kayla Spruill had close to a double-double getting 9 points and 7 rebounds. La Salle did not shoot well making 30.7% (23 of 75) and converted 8 of 30 from beyond the arc. Haynes was a positive for the team.

“I told her she had a golden opportunity with a couple of kids out to make the most of it,” MacGillivray said about his freshman guard Haynes. “The transition from high school to college has been a challenge in practice with the details and getting those things right. She showed tonight, she’s a player.”

The game did not start well for the Explorers who fell behind 25 – 13 after one quarter. The deficit did not increase going halftime as the second quarter was the best shooting quarter for La Salle. After halftime the Tigers pulled away.

The ability to rebound and get the ball to the basket were impactful for Towson. On the fast break the Tigers had a 23 – 3 advantage, and a huge edge of 58 – 28 in points in the paint. Towson won the boards 53 – 36. It was just a bit of everything that led to the victory.

“It was everything,” MacGillivray said about what made the difference. “We got out-muscled, we got out-quicked, we got out-shot. The number one thing is not having a couple of your better players and having a team that is not in basketball condition after two and a half weeks off. We wanted to play this game.”

Five players scored in double figures for Towson led by Shavonne Smith with a game-high 19 points. Skye Williams put in 17 points and Kionna Jeter had 16. Allie Kubek registered a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Aleah Nelson contributed to the offensive output scoring 12 points and handing out 10 assists.

Game Two is scheduled for Wednesday at Monmouth. La Salle will have a full complement of players, and a game played. The players really want to chance to show what they can do.

“Definitely, immediately, just to have the opportunity to play, too, is very special,” said Haynes. “I think this lights a fire and we’ll be ready to go for the next game.”

Boxscore

Written By: Glenn Papazian

Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com