Ziegler Became the Fourth Hawk Player to Post a Triple Double
PHILADELPHIA, PA 11/27/2024 –
The Saint Joseph’s Hawks came off a western road trip, were at the Thanksgiving holiday, and have arch-rival Villanova on the upcoming schedule for the chance to play for the Big Five title. Short handed St. Joe’s dressed only nine players. In between stood the Red Flash of Saint Francis University. Distractions? The Hawks did not see any as they downed the Red Flash 88 – 35 at the Hagan Arena.
“That’s one thing about our team, we always just focus in the next one, and prepare the same way, no matter who we’re playing,” said Hawks forward Laura Ziegler. “It doesn’t matter who that team is. We showed today, we’re all ready to come to play. We definitely had a job to get done today.”
Ziegler helped to get that job done leading the team with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, a career-best, to become the fourth player in program history to earn a vaunted triple double. The last player to accomplish this feat was Debbie Black who did so in 1988. Black did so posting 12 points, 12 rebounds and 10 steals in a February 13 game against Duquesne.
“I think of any stat line, that’s the one I am proud of because it shows a little bit of everything,” Ziegler said. “I love to pass the ball. I love to set my teammates up and watch them do their thing. I think it shows as much as I want to put points on the board, I want to rebound and set my teammates up.”
Saint Joseph’s Pulled Away Early
The Hawks scored the first seven points of the game. Midway through the first quarter leading 14 – 4 the Hawks scored the next 17 points ending the competitiveness of the game. St. Joe’s would take a lead of as many as 53 points in the fourth quarter.
Defense a Key
Saint Francis University would shoot 24% for the game (12 of 50 field goal attempts, and were good on only 3 of 16 three-point shots. SFU would not score double-digit points until the fourth quarter. SJU look energetic on defense stealing the ball 10 times led by Gabby Casey who set the tone with a career-high 4 steals.
“She is so disruptive, she’s got quick hands, her anticipation skills are fantastic,” said Saint Joseph’s Coach Cindy Griffin about the contributions of Casey. “She set the tone. She was ready to do whatever we needed her to do, And she just keeps getting better and better every game.”
What the Numbers Say
Eight of the nine Hawks who played scored. Mackenzie Smith headed the way with 17 points. Brugler and Ziegler added 16 each. Freshman guard Rhian Stokes started due to the unavailability of Emma Boslet and Kylie Griffin. She responded by scoring a collegiate-best 12 points on 4 of 6 shooting. Saint Joseph’s shot 56.5% from the floor. Casey pulled down 7 rebounds, 5 off the offensive glass.
Natalie Johnson led SFU with 9 points. Jade Campbell rebounded the ball 6 times to lead the Red Flash.
Next Up
For the 5 – 1 Hawks it is a visit from arch-rival Villanova on Sunday. The winner will win the pod and play for the Big Five Championship. This is a much anticipated game for both teams who were on the road. The time has come to fully focus on this game.
“Yes. We know it’s going to be a battle,” Griffin said. “We’re excited about it. We’re excited that we’re home. We’ll be ready.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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