MEADVILLE, Pa. – Senior
Sarah Santicola (Moon Township, Pa./Moon Area) reached another career milestone when she recorded her 1,000th career rebound as the Allegheny women's basketball team defeated Geneva 79-64 in Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) action Wednesday (Jan. 28) in Meadville.
Needing nine rebounds to reach the mark, Santicola accomplished the feat with 2:13 remaining in the third quarter, grabbing a rebound off a missed free-throw. Already the Allegheny career leader in the category, Santicola became the first Gator to eclipse the 1,000 rebound mark. She also became the seventh player in PAC history to reach both 1,000 career points and rebounds.
The teams went basket-for-basket early in the game as they combined to make 12 of the first 16 field goals attempted. The Gators made a trio of three pointers in the first five minutes as they held an 18-14 lead midway through the opening frame. In the final five minutes of the quarter, the Gators outpaced the Golden Tornadoes 9-4 as they extended their lead to 27-20 heading into the second quarter.
The Gators started the second quarter on a 9-4 run once again with an
Isabella Antonacci (Indiana, Pa./Indiana Area) three giving the Gators a 36-24 lead. Following a Geneva timeout, the Gators continued to roll. After shooting 56.3% (18-of-32) in the first half, the Gators took a 51-34 lead into the locker room.
The third quarter played out in a similar fashion as the opening of the game with the teams matching each other. By the end of the frame, the Golden Tornadoes outscored the Gators 17-16 as the Gators took a 67-51 lead into the fourth.
The Golden Tornadoes opened the fourth on a 6-2 run. The Gators responded with their own run of 7-3 to push their lead to 76-60 with four minutes remaining. Allegheny continued to play well in the closing minutes as they picked up the conference victory.
Inside the Box
- Santicola finished her milestone game with a 14 point, 11 rebound double-double. She also contributed four assists.
- Antonacci led the Gators with 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. She made five three three-pointers.
- Ava Kobus (Pittsburgh, Pa./Norwin) ended the game with 15 points and four rebounds.
- Jess Bickart (Cranberry Township, Pa./Seneca Valley) was the fourth Gator in double figures, finishing with 11 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
- Ashlan Price (Greensburg, Pa./Greensburg Salem) had six points and four rebounds.
- Eyra Co (Manila, Philippines/Pike Christian Academy (Ohio)) had four points with five rebounds while Karina Vasquez (San Antonio, Texas/John M. Harlan) also added four points.
- The Gators made 10 three pointers and went 13-of-16 from the free-throw line.
News and Notes
- Santicola became the first Gator to reach 1,000 career rebounds. She also became the seventh player in PAC history to record both 1,000 career points and rebounds.
- Santicola is currently 11th all-time in program history with 1,092 career points.
- The double-double was Santicola's seventh of the year.
- Allegheny is now 14-5 all-time against Geneva.
- Antonacci scored in double digits for the 11th straight game and the 17th time this season.
Up Next
The Gators are on the road Saturday (Jan. 31) when they travel to Bethany. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 pm.
