The Raven women’s basketball team proved tonight they had the heart and skill to battle back from a double-digit deficit, as they defeated Baker University 61-58 in front of a loud home crowd.
Baker University (11-8, 4-3 HAAC) held a consistent lead throughout the majority of the game and were leading by as much as 11 points in the second half.
Guard Rosie Youngstrom (Jr., Fairway) brought the No. 17 Ravens (17-3, 7-1 HAAC) back to life when she turned back- to- back steals into uncontested layups, bringing the game within three, with under five minutes to go.
Guard Jackie Ziesel (So., St. Joseph, Mo) tied the game with a 3-point field goal with 2:46 left in the game. Ziesel later ensured the win for the Ravens, putting in another 3-point shot with 29 seconds left to play.
Guard Justice Payne led the Ravens with 12 points and went 3-8 from behind the 3-point line. Ziesel and post Liz Stinson (Sr., Stilwell) both had 10 points.
Baker outplayed Benedictine in the first half and had the upper hand under the basket with 19 offensive rebounds and 27 on the defensive glass.
“We got out-rebounded pretty hard, a lot of times they were ripping balls right out of our hands,” said Raven head coach Chad Folsom. “We’ve got to be stronger; we’ve got to be able to get those balls.”
In the end it was the defense and the big plays from several players that got the victory for the Ravens.
“We did a better job at attacking the basket second half,” said Folsom. “The press also did a good job; (it) didn’t allow them to set up, which allowed us an easier opportunity to defend. I thought Kelsey (Anselmi) made some great leads to get off that screen and find the post.”
Forward Erin Murphy (Sr., Olathe) led the Ravens with 9 rebounds.
Guard Alisha Fanshier scored 19 points for Baker, followed by guard Ericka Simpson with 12 points off the bench.
Forward Rece Huddlin recorded a game high of 11 rebounds for the Wildcats.
On Saturday the Ravens travel to Kansas City, Mo., to take on Avila University at 2 p.m. They return home next Thursday, Jan. 24, at 5:30 p.m. against Graceland University.
— BC Sports Information —