RADNOR, PA - The Cabrini women's basketball team closed their regular season with a narrow 61-58 loss to Immaculata University in a key Atlantic East Conference matchup.
The Cavaliers remain the No. 2 seed in the upcoming conference tournament, while Immaculata claims the No. 4 seed.
The Blue and White were led offensively by junior
Ashley Tutzauer who posted a game high 21 points on 8-14 from the field. Senior
Meghan Matthews rounded out the Cavs in double figures with 11 points, while adding a team high seven rebounds and three steals. Freshman
Miranda Liebtag chipped in seven points in 14 minutes, while senior
Cassidy Gallagher and junior
Kate Lannon added six points each.
With the Mighty Macs claiming a 4-2 lead three and a half minutes in to the game, the Cavs used a 14-3 run to seize control in the opening stanza. A three ball from Tutzauer sparked the run for Cabrini, while triples from Liebtag and Gallagher highlighted the spurt. Immaculata's Morgan Falcone delivered a clutch three as time expired to pull the visitors back to within six, as the Cavs closed the quarter leading 16-10.
The Blue and White exteneded their lead to 25-16 with just over five minutes left in the first half, courtesy of another three pointer from Gallagher, this time off an assist from Liebtag. The Mighty Macs would find their rhythm, however as they closed the quarter on an 8-2 run to pull to within three points at 27-24.
A back and forth third quarter gave way to a decisive final stanza with Cabrini clinging to a 45-42 lead with 9:26 to play. Following a pair of converted free throws from Immaculata's Meghan Ricker, the Cavs rattled off an 8-0 run, highlighted by an and-one layup from Matthews , to push their lead to nine points with just over five minutes left.
The two teams traded baskets as the Cavs' lead held steady at nine points with 3:20 remaining in the game. A layup on the ensuing possession from the Mighty Macs' Kaitlyn Racobaldo, however ignited a 15-3 run, that would ultimately serve as the game clincher for the visitors.
The Macs were paced offensively by Theresa Kearney's 16 points, while Brielle Rigo earned a double double thanks to 10 points and 14 rebounds.
Following today's game, the Cavs move to 18-7 overall and 10-2 in league play. They will now turn their attention to the Atlantic East Conference Tournament where they'll host the highest remaining seed from Monday's Quarterfinal games on Wednesday, February 26th. Game time is slated for 7pm.
