Recap: Women Show Resilience In Loss To Spartans

BLUE BELL, Pa. - The women's basketball team got off to a slow start against its undefeated counterpart from Northampton, and it cost the Mustangs dearly as they fell 85-41 to the Spartans on Tuesday evening in Region XIX play.

A silver lining in the defeat was the team's effort and fight. In fact, the 41 points put up by the Mustangs was the most a Region XIX foe has managed against Northampton, which improved to 6-2 overall, 4-0 in Region XIX and 3-0 in the EPAC.

Outscored 23-2 in the first quarter and down 48-13 at halftime, the Mustangs could have easily packed it in for the night. Instead the home team rallied for 28 points over the final two quarters -- including a 20-18 edge in the fourth quarter -- while yielding 37 points to the Spartans.

"I was very proud of everyone's effort tonight," said Head Women's Basketball Coach Francine Roseman. "That's a very good team and our ladies showed tremendous resiliency, especially after a tough opening quarter."

As far as moral victories go, this was certainly one for Roseman and Co. and one they'll lean on when they square off against the Spartans on Jan. 19 at Northampton Community College.

Alison Henning led the Mustangs with 12 points, while Jessica Spano chipped in 9 points and 8 rebounds. Hiba Elrhanjaoui continued to be a force around the glass with 12 rebounds.

Newcomer Courtney Gill added 6 points and Linda Sobeck (4), Anna Morgan (3), Naomi Jasienski (3) and Rachel DiBenedetto (2) rounded out the scoring as the Mustangs finished 15 of 50 from the field.

Amber Farnholtz had a game-high 23 points for the Spartans, who converted 41 percent of their field goals.

Montgomery converted seven of 10 from the foul line, but was outrebounded by a 55-37 margin. The Mustangs also hurt themselves with 22 turnovers.

The Mustangs fall to 1-5 overall and in Region XIX, and 1-2 in conference play.

"The team continues to improve daily, and that's all I can ask for," Roseman said. "We need to learn from every game and work on getting better."

Montgomery's women's team is back in action Thursday at 6 pm when they host Luzerne County Community College.

- By Bob Kent, Sports Information Director