WENHAM, Mass. - Hosting Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) foe Roger Williams University today at the Bennett Athletic Center, Gordon College Women's Basketball shot nearly 50 percent from the field but it was not enough to overtake the high-flying Hawks, who utilized an impressive third quarter to slide past the Scots, 69-65.
 
The Scots were led by junior standout Meghan Foley who netted 37 points, followed by Sarah Gibbs who booked 10 points and six rebounds and Abby Vampatella with eight points and six rebounds.
 
For the visitors, Sam Leone (Jr./Ashland, Mass.) led her Hawks with 18 points and seven boards, Karli Opalka had 14 points (Fr./Southbury, Conn.), and Gabby Jerahian (Jr./Quincy, Mass.) contributed 13 points in the victory.
 
Both teams return to action on January 16 at 5:30 p.m., with Gordon traveling to Salve Regina while Roger Williams will play host to Nichols College.
 
How It Happened
 
Both teams traded buckets in the first quarter but Gordon gained the slight 17-12 advantage behind the clutch conversions of Foley from the field.
 
The Scots led by as many as eight after a Jess Wall jumper midway through the second quarter before Leon cut the lead to five with just under two minutes remaining. After the Scots regained a nine-point lead, the Hawks crawled back into contention after a three-pointer from Liz Wexler (Fr./Winsted, Conn.) and timely free throw shooting from Leon to trail the Scots 28-32 going into halftime.
 
Four lead changes in the third helped Roger Williams gain the upper hand as they doubled up Gordon in points to take the 48-42 lead going into the final frame.
 
Poised to make a comeback, Foley paced the Scots to 63.6 percent shooting with 12 points from the field when it mattered most, getting help from teammates Vampatella and Hannah Vincent who made some noise of their own en route to a nine-point run for the Scots.
 
But with 17 ticks left on the clock and Gordon trailing by just a single point, the Hawks sunk their free throws in the closing seconds to secure the 69-65 win.
 

Beyond The Box Score
 
 
Meghan Foley had a career night with 37 points, clearing her former career-high of 31 points.
 
Abby Vampatella had a season-high in points and rebounds with eight and six, respectively.
 
Today's win marks the first time this season Roger Williams has won back-to-back games.
 
- Release courtesy of the Gordon College Sports Information Department