POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (December 3, 2016) — The Vassar College women's basketball team (3-4) ripped off a 14-5 run in the final frame, but ultimately fell to Ithaca College (5-1) at the Athletics and Fitness Center on Saturday, 73-52.
Ariella Rosenthal notched her second double-double of the season with a team-leading 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Sophie Nick was one rebound shy of a double-double, finishing with 10 points and nine boards.
Vassar shot 35 percent from the floor and nine percent (1-of-11) from three, while Ithaca shot 46 and 25 (5-of-20) percent, respectively.
Four Bombers notched double figures in Julie Yacovoni (14), Erin Ferguson (13), Ali Ricchiuti (12) and Erin Woop (11).
"I think that Ithaca's a great team," coach Candice Brown said. "They definitely played every possession."
Ithaca started and ended the first quarter with aggression, scoring the first five and the final six points of the period.
With another basket to lead off the second stanza, the Bombers stretched their lead to 12, 21-9, before the Brewers notched a quick pair of buckets. Cook found Rosenthal in transition for a jumper before Rosenthal fed Nick for a fast-break layup, pulling Vassar within single digits, 21-13.
The Bombers scored the following four field goals, two straight from Yacovani and another two from Jordan Beers, to extend their lead to 14, 29-15. Beers stayed hot, connecting on a jumper and a triple in the final minute for Ithaca to carry a 36-18 advantage into the break.
The sides traded baskets to open the second half, as Rosenthal laid in back-to-back Brewer buckets. Ithaca scored 15 of the following 20 points over the third and fourth quarters before Rosenthal and Romanoff hit two straight, a layup and a triple, 60-36.
Ricchiuti swished a deep three on the other end, but the Brewers continued to battle, as Rosenthal and Nick laid in the next two buckets as part of a 14-5 run that got Vassar within 65-45.
"When we play with intensity, when we play our style, when we take care of the ball," Brown said, "it's so much better for us."
Ithaca outscored Vassar 8-7 the rest of the way, as the Brewers' late push fell short.
Up next, Vassar will fly to Puerto Rico, where it will face Messiah College on Sunday, Dec. 18 at noon before taking on DaPauw University the next day at the same time.
"We have two more weeks before we travel to Puerto Rico," Brown said. "We're looking forward to playing some good competition in Messiah and DePauw, and get in preparation for Liberty League play."
—VASSAR—
