CHESTER, Pa.—The Hood College women's basketball team (5-16, 3-11 Commonwealth) was defeated by Widener University (17-2, 12-2 Commonwealth) 84-57 in conference action Saturday afternoon. The Blazers were unable to overcome an offensive explosion from Widener in the first half that saw the Pioneers erupt for 47 points that for all intents and purposes ended the game.
Freshman forward Olivia Hosch scored a career high 16 points on 5-10 shooting in the losing effort. It was just the third time this season that Hosch was given a starting nod and she made the most of the opportunity. Her 16 points was a team high, while also corralling five rebounds and dishing out two assists.
Sophomore Rachel Wiley was also in double-figures for Hood, as she scored ten points and picked up five rebounds. Senior Emily Maerz was the other Blazer in double-figures with ten points, including two makes from three point territory. Widener was led by the 19 points of Vanessa Hejnas, although Hejnas had 17 of her 19 points in the first half.
Hood started the game off exchanging punches with Widener, as two Hosch makes made the score 10-9 at the 15:01 mark of the first half. It all went downhill from there though, as Widener proceeded to go on a 33-9 run that spanned just over 13 minutes to end the half. The Pioneers were just not missing and every time it appeared Hood was going to get a stop Widener would pick up an offensive rebound or get fouled. It was just one of those runs where Widener could do no wrong.
In the half Widener shot 46 percent from the floor, while Hood shot just 25 percent and really had an insurmountable hole to dig itself out of.
Hood clamped down in the second half and showed real character not giving up. The Blazers shot 36 percent as a team in the second half and were much more competitive with the Pioneers. However, Hood was never really able to get back in the game and eventually fell 84-57.
Hood returns to action this Wednesday when they host the Lions from Albright College in MAC action. The game will take place at BB&T Arena and is set for a 6 p.m. tip off.