OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Stevenson women's basketball (4-9, 0-3 MAC) approached a close lead to the York College of Pennsylvania Spartans (9-4, 3-0) in the fourth quarter, but ultimately ended with a five point deficit 72-67 final score.
 
The Mustangs got their first scoring chance at 5:29 in the opening quarter with a jumper from Emori Jeselskis. Amanda Nwankwo and Amoni Taylor also added two each as the four minute mark neared. Following a free throw series, Taylor sunk a three pointer with 2:23 remaining. Only seeing one more free throw series from Sanaa Thorne, the Mustangs ended the first down by 10 23-13.
 
Managing an early scoring chance in the second, Erin Dixon brought the team to 15 points 13 seconds into play. The seven minute mark elapsed, as Janie Smith hit a layup with 6:58. Just over two minutes later, Taylor brought the team to 20 points, which was followed by a layup from Amanda Nwankwo 42 seconds later. Attempting to find pace before the half, the Mustangs managed one more chance with one second left from Elia Richardson. The score at the half was 42-24.
 
Tessa Boswell brought the action in the third, sinking a three pointer just over a minute into play. Despite the late second and early third quarter efforts, the Spartans hit 50 by the seven minute mark. Winding down the clock attempting to answer, the Mustangs managed two opportunities within 45 seconds of play from Nwankwo and Destiny Towns, bringing the team past 30 points. With just over three minutes left, Thorne managed a layup. Before the Spartans hit 55, Jeselskis found more points with 2:24 remaining. Two free throw series from Jeselskis and Dixon brought the Mustangs to 40 points and the 55-40 score at the third.
 
The Mustangs were hot in the fourth, bringing the game within 10 points three times in the first two minutes of play. A three pointer from Jeselskis at 7:48 brought the game to a nine point deficit as the Mustangs found consistency to close the game-long wide gap. The first of three ties arrived at 4:35 remaining thanks to Jeselskis. The second 63-63 tie was brought on by free throws from Stephenae Lawrence. The final 65-65 tie was also from Jeselskis on a fastbreak at 2:40 remaining. With effort at an all time high, two scoring chances and three free throws from the Spartans clinched their lead, ending in the 72-67 decision.
 
Jeselskis hit a season-high 20 points in the third year of her career, nearly tying her career-high 21 points against Hood College in 2022-23. She also managed two rebounds and assists, and three steals. Dixon, also adding three steals, totaled 10 points and a pair of rebounds. Boswell topped the team with seven rebounds and three blocks, while Lawrence backed her with six rebounds of her own.
 
The Mustangs continue conference play on the road this Saturday, Jan. 13, when they take on the Albright College Lions at 3 p.m.