OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Stevenson women's basketball (7-15, 6-7) showed their commitment to resilience as they fell to Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) opponent York College of Pennsylvania Spartans (9-14, 6-8) 63-51.
 
Freshman forward Tessa Boswell scored a record-high 19 points on the evening, going 6-12 in field goals and making three three-pointers out of six attempts. First year forward Aliyah Jean-Jacques recorded six rebounds, while sophomore guard Laci Johnson went 5-11 on field goals and notched 14 total points.
 
FIRST QUARTER
The Spartans scored early, hitting a three pointer in the first 17 seconds. The Mustangs quickly answered with a successful basket from Jean-Jacques. But the Mustangs continued to trail behind the Spartans' hot shooting. The gap was closed about halfway into the quarter thanks to first year guard Erin Dixon. The Mustangs notched four more points in the opening quarter, ending it 14-8.
 
SECOND QUARTER
Scoring 11 seconds into the second quarter, the Spartans doubled the Mustangs in total points at 16-8. Johnson brought the home team to 10 points just over a minute later. Boswell notched her first of three three-pointers just over a minute later, bringing the score to 20-13.  The Mustangs saw a pair of steal opportunities, resulting in a three pointer by the Spartans.
Dixon scored shortly after with three minutes remaining. Senior guard Morgan Pennick brought the Mustangs to 17 total points, ending the first half trailing 30-17.
 
THIRD QUARTER
Boswell notched a successful shot within the first two minutes of the third quarter followed by a three-pointer from Johnson seconds later, which cut the gap to 34-24. The Spartans continued to build their lead before a technical foul was called on the Mustangs' bench with just under seven minutes remaining.  A successful three pointer for the visitors brought the game to 43-24. A series of free throws closed the gap for the Mustangs, but the Spartans' lead remained consistent.
 
With just over two minutes remaining, a steal from junior forward Michelle Mesquita created an opportunity for senior forward Morgan DeBeary to score. Boswell had a three pointer just over a minute later, closing the gap to 11 points at 34-45. Boswell managed one more opportunity before ending the third 49-36, following a last second layup from the Spartans.
 
FOURTH QUARTER
Boswell brought energy into the last quarter, with another basket 29 seconds into the final period. Johnson followed seconds later, bringing the score to 52-40, and had a successful three pointer and shot as the clock ticked on. The Mustangs pulled within 10 once again with a Dixon layup at just under six minutes remaining.
 
Breaking 60 points on the evening, the Spartans scored following a close three pointer attempt from Johnson. Struggling to find another opportunity, the Mustangs scored in a successful free throw series with just over a minute left, but the night ended 63-51.




 
UP NEXT
The Mustangs fall to 7-15 overall and 6-7 in conference play. The Spartans improved to 9-14 overall and 6-8 in conference play. The Mustangs hit the road once more as they travel next to conference opponent Albright College for a 1 p.m. tipoff on Saturday, Feb. 11. The Spartans host conference opponent Hood College on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 8 p.m.