MEADVILLE, Pa. – The Allegheny women's basketball team opened the 2024-25 season at home against Carnegie Mellon in the Women Leaders Tip-Off, falling to the Tartans 73-47.
The Gators got out to a fast start, amassing a 9-0 lead over the opening five minutes.
Bella Antonacci (Indiana, Pa./Indiana Area) got the action started with a jumper just 10 seconds in.
Sofia Genareo (Lakewood, N.Y./Southwestern Central) followed up with a three on their next possession. A
Kate Leach (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington) basket followed by another from Genareo pushed the lead to 9-0. However, trailing 11-2, Carnegie Mellon battled back in the closing minutes of the frame to cut the lead to 11-8 to start the second.
After
Ava Kobus (Pittsburgh, Pa./Norwin) opened the second with a layup, the Tartans rattled off an 8-0 run to jump ahead, 16-13. The Gators responded with an 8-1 run to move back ahead.
Sarah Santicola (Moon Township, Pa./Moon Area) had six of the eight points on the run. A late three by Genareo was answered by one from Carnegie Mellon, but the Gators maintained a 24-22 lead at the half.
The Tartans started the third quarter on an 11-2 run before the media timeout halfway through. The Gators responded after the timeout with a fast 7-0 run to tie the game at 33. Genareo had a three pointer in that stretch while Santicola and Kobus also had baskets. The back-and-forth continued as the Tartans scored last in the frame to take a 37-35 lead into the fourth.
Carnegie Mellon finished the game in a big way, outscoring the Gators 36-12 in the final ten minutes of play as they pulled away for the season-opening win.
Inside the Box
- Santicola led the Gators with a 15 point, 13 rebound double-double. The junior also had a pair of blocks.
- Genareo matched Santicola with 15 points with three assists.
- Kobus produced six points and three steals in her collegiate debut.
- In her first collegiate game, Antonacci finished with six rebounds and four points.
- The Gators shot 34.5% (19-55) from the floor with four three pointers.
- As a team, Allegheny blocked five shots.
News and Notes
- The Gators are now 7-20 all-time against the Tartans.
- Antonacci and Kobus made their Allegheny debuts.
Up Next
The Gators conclude their season opening Women Leaders Tip-Off against Case Western Reserve Saturday (Nov. 9) at 4 pm.
