(LANGHORNE, Pa.) – Wilson used a dominant second half to earn its third consecutive victory in a road contest at Cairn by a score of 80-65 on Saturday afternoon. The Phoenix had one of their best quarters of play offensively in the third while having one of its best defensively to outscore the Highlanders by double-digits in both frames.
It was the Blue and Whites second-highest offensive output in a game this season behind only the season opener at Trinity Washington by two points.
Leah Laubach (FY., Marietta, Pa. / Lancaster Catholic) was one of the main catalysts for the Phoenix as she led the team with 17 points.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 80, Cairn 65
Venue: Mason Activity Center
Records: Wilson 6-11, 5-3 UE; Cairn 1-13, 0-8 UE
How It Happened
- While it was one of the best offensive games of the season, it took a few minutes to get the engine started as the Highlanders raced out to an 11-0 lead over the first 2:31. The hosts lead by as many as 16 before Wilson went on a 13-2 run capped by a Kailee Soto (FY, Lancaster, Pa. / Columbia) 3-pointer to make it 24-19. Jewels Torres (Jr., York, Pa. / West York) closed the first by sinking three free throws to get the Phoenix within four at 26-22.
- Momentum carried into the second quarter as Wilson eventually tied the game on a triple by Laela Robinson (Sr., Lancaster, Pa. / Conestoga Valley) to make it 27-all. Unfortunately for the Phoenix it was their last field goal for over five minutes as Cairn went ahead once again and led by as many as 12. Another trey by Soto and a jumper by Laubach made it a seven-point game at the break.
- Wilson eventually took control midway through the third thanks to a 15-0 run. A steal by Allie Cullison (Sr., Westminster, Md. / Winters Mill / Kean) resulted in a Torres layup to put the Phoenix up 51-50 just after the midway point of the third. Laubach added a pair of inside buckets sandwiched around another Soto triple for a 58-50 lead.
- The Phoenix ended up taking a four-point lead into the fourth where the defense stepped up to seal the victory. Soto kept the offense hot with another 3-pointer to open the fourth and assisted Laubach on another after a Highlanders turnover to make it 69-59. The Phoenix maintained a lead of at least three possessions the rest of the way.
Inside The Numbers
- Laubach was nearly perfect all-around while scoring her season-high 17 points as she went 7-for-9 from the field. She made her only 3-point attempt and sank both free throws attempted.
- Lae Black (Jr., Laurel, Md. / Meade / Bluefield State) and Soto both added 14 points on the day. Black added six rebounds and a pair of steals, while Soto was 4-for-8 from behind the arc and made four steals.
- Torres finished with a baker's dozen while once again doing most of her damage at the free throw line where she made all nine attempts. She dished out six assists and made two steals.
- Chelcie Forrester (Jr., Shippensburg, Pa. / Shippensburg / WVU Potomac State) led the team with nine rebounds.
- The Phoenix forced 23 turnovers which transitioned into 26 points.
- Cairn's Dezaray Bright led all scorers with 22 and had a double-double with 11 rebounds. Emily Brittin also had a double-double with 14 and 15.
Up Next
Wilson will look to make it four-straight and sweep the season series with Notre Dame on Wednesday. Tip-off with the Gators is set for 5 p.m.
