MEADVILLE, Pa. – The Allegheny women's basketball team returned to action Sunday (Dec. 31) against Chatham in Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) play, falling in a thrilling double overtime game 72-65. 
 
The opening quarter featured close back-and-forth action throughout. A series of late free-throws followed by a three gave Chatham a 17-12 lead after 10 minutes of play. Allegheny opened the scoring in the second quarter, but the Cougars rattled off a 9-2 run to push their lead to 26-17. The Gators did not allow a basket in the final five minutes of the half as they narrowed the gap to 26-21 at the break.
 
Sarah Santicola (Moon Township, Pa./Moon Area) led the Gators with eight points, seven rebounds and four blocks in the first half. Jasmyn Fisher (Pittsburgh, Pa./Woodland Hills) chipped in six with a pair of threes while Sofia Genareo (Lakewood, N.Y./Southwestern Central) added five. 
 
The Gators battled back in the third quarter, opening on an 11-5 run to give the team a 32-31 lead. The run was capped off by a traditional three-point play by Emily Lauer (Knox, Pa./Keystone). The teams traded the lead a few times but the Gators took a 39-36 lead into the final frame. 
 
A 7-2 run to open the fourth gave the Cougars the lead back at 43-41. Each side then went on 4-0 runs to trade the lead. A three pointer by Jess Bickart (Cranberry Township, Pa./Seneca Valley) put the Gators in front 50-48. After Chatham answered, a layup by Santicola gave the Gators a 52-50 advantage. 
 
With just under thirty seconds to go, Chatham converted a pair of free-throws to tie the contest at 52. The Gators were unable to convert their buzzer beater attempt, sending the game into overtime.
 
The Cougars struck first in the extra session with a lay-up. Lauer answered to tie the game before causing a turnover and scoring on a fast break to give the Gators the lead on the ensuing possession. Chatham tied the game up again with 28 seconds left. Once again, Lauer answered with a jumper from the baseline to give Allegheny a lead. However, the Cougars got the ball down the court quickly and hit a layup to send the game into a second overtime.
 
Allegheny had the first advantage in the second overtime session, but Chatham hit a three to take the lead. The Gators tied it on a free-throw, but the Cougars would close out the frame outscoring the Gators 11-4 for the win.
 
Inside the Box

• Santicola nearly recorded a triple-double, finishing the contest with 14 points, 19 rebounds, nine blocks and four steals. The 19 rebounds and nine blocks mark career-highs.
• Lauer led the team with 25 points, most of which came in the second half and overtime. 
• Fisher was the third Gator in double-digits with 10 points.
• Bickart ended the game with 11 rebounds, 10 assists and five points.
• Genareo tallied nine points and seven rebounds. 
• The Gators tied a season-high with 12 blocks. 

News and Notes

• The Gators are now 3-3 all-time against Chatham.
• Santicola's nine blocks are tied for the second most in a single game for the Gators. 

Up Next
The Gators travel to St. Vincent for a PAC matchup on Wednesday (Jan. 3).