Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Aquinas women's basketball team battled through four hard-fought quarters but ultimately came up short, falling 54–47 to Indiana Tech on Saturday (Jan. 17). The Saints jumped out to a fast start and led early, but a strong second-half push from the Warriors proved too much to overcome down the stretch.

Aquinas 47, Indiana Tech 54

Aquinas wasted no time getting on the board as Hope Kanouse opened the scoring with a layup, quickly followed by a three-pointer from Rhema Dozier to give the Saints a 5–0 advantage. Isabel Reemsnyder added a layup and completed the three-point play to extend the lead to 8–0. The momentum continued as Reemsnyder knocked down a triple and Emily Cline buried a jumper, pushing the Saints out to a 13–0 run to start the contest. Indiana Tech finally broke through with a three-pointer, but Cline answered right back with a jumper to keep Aquinas in control, 15–3. Brynn Reams added a jumper before Cline capped the quarter with a layup, sending the Saints into the second period leading 20–7.

The Warriors struck first in the second quarter, but Reemsnyder responded with a bucket to maintain the cushion, 22–9. Indiana Tech then pieced together a seven-point run to cut into the deficit. Leah French halted the surge by finishing through contact in the paint, making it 24–16. Paige Guernsey slipped in a lay-up, but the Warriors continued to chip away, pulling within four at 28–24. Two late free throws from Indiana Tech narrowed the gap to just two as Aquinas carried a slim 28–26 lead into halftime.

Indiana Tech opened the third quarter with a three-pointer to grab its first lead of the night and followed with free throws to go up 31–28. Reemsnyder answered with a clutch three to tie the game, but the Warriors quickly responded from deep to regain the edge, 34–31. Indiana Tech extended its lead to seven before Guernsey converted a layup to cut it to five. Guernsey closed the quarter at the line, trimming the deficit to 40–37 heading into the final frame.

The Warriors opened the fourth with a layup, but French drilled a three-pointer to bring the Saints within two, 42–40. Indiana Tech answered with a five-point run, but Cline connected on a free throw to keep Aquinas within reach. Guernsey added two more from the stripe, though the Warriors matched with back-to-back layups to make it 53–45. Reemsnyder scored on a layup late, but the Saints were unable to complete the comeback, falling 54–47.

Coaches Comments 
"I'm proud of the way our group came out and set the tone early tonight," stated head coach Brian Morris. "We played with great energy and focus in that first half, and that's exactly how we want to compete. In the second half, Indiana Tech made some big shots, but I loved our fight until the final buzzer. We'll learn from this and keep building as we head into the next stretch of conference play."

By the Numbers 

• Paige Guernsey and Isabel Reemsnyder led the Saints in points both claiming 13

• Emily Cline hit the boards hard again tallying 12

• Reemsnyder had three steals and two blocks on the night  

• Guernsey went 5-6 at the free throw line and Reemsnyder shot 100% going 1-1. 

 Up Next 

The Saints will return to action on their home court this Wednesday (Jan. 21) to take on Clearly at 5:30 p.m.