(CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.) – A third-quarter surge propelled Wilson to a victory over Valley Forge in a United East contest rescheduled from Saturday. After trailing at the half, the Phoenix came out on fire offensively and had a lock-down defense on the opposite that didn't allow a single Patriot field goal in the third quarter to take control.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 70, Valley Forge 58
Venue: Gannett Field House
Records: Wilson 4-11, 3-3 UE; Valley Forge 3-10, 2-4 UE
How It Happened
- UVF led by as many as seven in the first quarter, but Wilson eventually pulled even with the Patriots with a Chelcie Forrester (Jr., Shippensburg, Pa. / Shippensburg / WVU Potomac State) layup and a pair of Chloe Irving (FY, Martinsburg, W.Va. / Martinsburg) free throws at the start of the second. Another Forrester bunny put the Blue and White up two and a Kailee Soto (FY, Lancaster, Pa. / Columbia) 3-pointer later gave Wilson a 22-19 lead, but the visitors closed the frame on a 17-4 run to take a 10-point lead at the half.
- Lae Black (Jr.,Laurel, Md. / Meade / Bluefield State) provided a much needed spark in the third quarter with three early buckets to help get Wilson within one at 36-35. After a steal by Irving, Black provided the assist on a Leah Laubach (FY, Marietta, Pa. / Lancaster Catholic) layup to put Wilson in front. Irving followed up with a steal layup combination, and the Phoenix were off to the races. Mackenzie Caldwell-Degnon (So., Rockville Md. / Richard Montgomery) converted an old-fashioned 3-point play while Jewels Torres (Jr., York, Pa. / West York) drained a traditional triple for a 49-39 lead headed to the fourth.
- The Patriots opened up the final period with a layup, but Wilson cut off the comeback attempt with an 18-9 run over the next six minutes for a 67-49 lead, its largest of the game.
Inside The Numbers
- Forrester just missed out on continuing her double-double streak with 15 points and nine rebounds. Irving was right there with her with 13 points and nine rebounds. Both were 5-of-8 overall from the field.
- Laubach joined the duo in double-figures with 11 markers. She was 4-for-9 form the field.
- Irving shined defensively with five steals to lead the Phoenix.
- Torres had a solid day with nine points while she dished out seven assists. She added two rebounds and two steals.
- Wilson made the most out of Valley Forge miscues and outscored its opposition 25-5 in points off turnovers.
- The Phoenix also controlled the inside game by leading the Patriots 42-20 in points in the paint.
- Saniya Green led Valley Forge with 17 points. Dominique Barnes and Olivia Rochkind both had double-doubles for the Patriots. Barnes finished with 13 points and 18 rebounds, while Rochkind finished with 14 and 13.
Up Next
Wilson will look to make it two-straight as it welcomes Penn State Brandywine on Tuesday. Tip-off with the Nittany Lions is set for 5 p.m.
