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The Observer

Case Western Reserve University's independent student news source

The Observer

Case Western Reserve University's independent student news source

The Observer

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Women fall behind early, lose to Baldwin-Wallace

The women’s basketball team suffered its first loss of the season to Baldwin-Wallace College 69-62 last Tuesday. Held scoreless for the first five minutes of play, the Spartans never were able to surmount the Yellow Jacket’s lead, trailing by as many as 17 points.

Despite the slow start, the Spartans were able to chip away at Baldwin-Wallace’s lead to foster a nice comeback, outscoring Baldwin-Wallace in the second half. Sophomore guard Evy Iacono led the Spartans with a game-high 20 points, three steals, and six rebounds. Fellow second-year Erica Iafelice was three-for-five from behind the arc and contributed 13 points overall, while Caitlin Henry and Erin Hollinger both added 11 points. Coming off the bench, Case Western Reserve also had strong performances from sophomore Emily Mueller and junior Chelsea Peck. The Spartans played very well defensively: forcing 15 turnovers and blocking nine shots.

However, Baldwin Wallace also played a very strong defense that at times really frustrated the Spartans. Although they lacked in size, Baldwin-Wallace dominated on the boards; securing 52 rebounds, 20 more than the Spartans grabbed. With only nine offensive rebounds, the lack of second shot opportunities really hurt Case Western Reserve. Offensively, senior guard Amanda Schroeder, a First-Team All-Ohio Athletic Conference selection, led Baldwin Wallace with 13 points.

Furthermore, Case Western Reserve was in foul trouble for most of the game; Caitlin Henry fouled out and Erin Hollinger and Erica Iafelice both had four. Unfortunately for the Spartans, Baldwin Wallace shot 89.7% from the free throw line and was in the bonus for most of the game.

Coach Jennifer Reimer said of the game, “I thought we played a strong second-half in our game versus Baldwin-Wallace and certainly our team understands we will be better as a result of having played that game. I was happy with our effort in the second half, but we are going to have to be a better rebounding team if we really want to win each night.”

The Spartans, now 3-1, need to come out strong early in the upcoming games. They had the talent to beat Baldwin Wallace, who is looking to make their 13th NCAA tournament appearance this season, but a slow first half really spoiled a win for Case Western Reserve.

Coach Reimer adds, “Our goals prior to the break are to play better team defense, continue to run our offense more effectively and rebound, rebound, rebound.”

Case plays Denison University at home on Dec. 4 at 2 pm and travels to Oberlin College on Dec. 6.

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