CHESTER, Pa. – Stevenson women's basketball team traveled to Widener University Wednesday evening, ending on top against the Pride, 55-48, after a game in which the lead changed nine times.
 
Sophomore guard Laci Johnson scored 17 points on the evening while first year forward Tessa Boswell had 10. Senior forward Maleah Smith continued to lead in rebounds with eight total rebounds, six defensive. For the Pride, senior guard Jordan D'Ambrosio scored 13 points while first year post Mia Robbins led the team with 12 total rebounds (eight defensive).
 
FIRST QUARTER
The Pride scored early and often, racking up seven points before a successful layup from senior guard Morgan Pennick put Stevenson on the board. The Mustangs had eight points in the opening quarter, trailing the Pride's pace of 16. The quarter ended with two successful free throws from Tessa Boswell.
 
SECOND QUARTER
The Mustangs returned to the lead as Johnson sank a successful three-pointer just under a minute in. The Mustangs found their stride, matching pace with the Pride as Stevenson took the lead with just over six minutes left with another three-pointer from Johnson. The Pride had two more scoring opportunities as they attempted to tighten the gap with the Mustangs on top, 25-21.
 
THIRD QUARTER
The Pride entered the third quarter cautiously as they took the lead from the Mustangs just over halfway through. Stevenson answered with a successful jumper from senior guard Aysia Ferguson. The teams exchanged the lead as the Pride scored one last time before a series of successful three throws, bringing the score to 31-28 with just under four minutes left. The Mustangs tightened the lead with a successful free throw series from first year guard Erin Dixon, creating a one-point game, 31-30. Following a subsequent foul, the Mustangs tied the night 31-31. The Pride answered with a layup from sophomore guard Mary McFillin, as the home team took the lead once again, bringing the quarter to a close, 33-31.
 
FOURTH QUARTER
The teams tied the night twice in the first three minutes as the final quarter opened. The Mustangs were ultimately tested as the Pride swept the lead about four minutes in by four points with two successful free throws from D'Ambrosio. The Mustangs remained diligent as they tied the Pride 42-42 with just over three minutes to go thanks to a tip-in layup from Johnson. The contest for the lead was on as sophomore guard Emori Jeselskis basketed a three- pointer with 7:44 left. As the clock ticked on, the Mustangs snagged the lead three times just before the final minute. Dixon secured the lead for the Mustangs with just over 35 seconds left with a successful layup, making it a five-point game. The Mustangs then made two successful free throws, securing their lead and finishing 55-48.
 
UP NEXT
The Mustangs improve to 3-5 overall and 2-1 in conference, while the Pride fell to 2-6 overall and 0-2 in conference. The Mustangs take a break and prepare for travel to Daytona, Fla., where they will participate in the Daytona Beach Shootout. First tipoff is Dec. 19 against Wheaton College of Massachusetts at 3 p.m. in Ocean Center. The Pride continue conference play at Eastern University with a Dec. 10 tipoff at 1 p.m.