Madison, NJ- Baptist Bible College fell just short after making a second half comeback versus non-conference and undefeated opponent Drew University. After being down by 17 at the break, the Lady Defenders only lost 70-61 to the Drew University Rangers.
The Lady Defenders were without senior starter Joy DeLeonardis and would insert freshman Karin Mowry into the starting line-up in her place. Baptist Bible held their own for much of the first half as the game was tied at 21 with six and a half minutes left until the half. But that is when Drew broke the game open by going on a 12-0 run in the next three minutes before holding a 45-28 lead at halftime.
The Rangers would only extend their 17 point halftime lead by two more points to 19, before the determined Lady Defenders would scrap the entire second half to bring the game to within four points with five minutes remaining. But the deficit was just too much for Baptist Bible to get out of as Drew made a few clutch baskets to seal the 70-61 victory.
Danielle Barber led the Rangers with a game high 26 points with Katherine Luby chipping in 14 points and 8 rebounds. Grabbing a game high in rebounds was Eden Blazovic with 12 boards to go along with 8 points. Also contributing to the Rangers win was Jessica DelVecchio with 9 points and 7 rebounds.
Marlie Kneifel (Kouts, IN) scored a team high 20 points, handed out 3 assists, and grabbed 7 rebounds to lead Baptist Bible. Freshman Jessica White (Lakeland, FL) had a season and career high with 10 points and 7 boards. Also contributing to the offense was Laura Hodupp (St. Petersburg, FL) with 10 points. The Lady Defenders hit the boards with Kellie Bernard (Swayzee, IN) and Alyssa Maxwell (Clarks Summit, PA) snatching 6 rebounds apiece.
The Lady Defenders (1-5, 0-2) are off until the new year. Their next game will be at home versus non-conference opponent Cazenovia College on Tuesday, January 5 at 3:00 pm.
