OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Stevenson women's basketball hosted their home opener for the 2023-24 season against the Notre Dame of Maryland University Gators, finishing on top 68-62 Tuesday evening in Owings Mills gymnasium.
 
The Mustangs did not get on the board right away, but did net a three- pointer from junior guard Emori Jeselskis at 7:10 remaining. The Gators established an early lead, but were brought to a tie just under two minutes later following a layup from junior forward Stephenae Lawrence and a successful free throw series from first-year guard Elia Richardson. The Mustangs took a 9-7 lead quickly, thanks to first-year center Amanda Nwankwo. The opening quarter ended with the Mustangs on top by 10 points 19-9.
 
Pushing the gap further, the Mustangs hit the 31-point mark about halfway into second-quarter play with a three-pointer from Richardson. Despite allowing 16 points from the Gators, the Mustangs maintained their lead, with a layup from Jaidyn Harris at 3:44 remaining, a layup from Nwankwo with 2:46 remaining, and a layup seconds later from first-year guard Amoni Taylor. The Mustangs went into halftime with a 38-25 lead.
 
Scoring quickly in the third, Jeselskis brought the team to 40 points just over 20 seconds into play. Sophomore forward Tessa Boswell netted a three-pointer to maintain the lead with 7:34 remaining. The quarter's final scoring opportunity came with 3:51 remaining, when Nwankwo scored a layup. The Mustangs sustained their lead by the end of the third at 52-40.
 
The final period posed a challenge for the Mustangs, as the Gators managed all of the early scoring opportunities. Despite the challenge, the Mustangs managed to widen the gap with 6:51 remaining with a field goal from sophomore guard Erin Dixon. The Mustangs managed to keep up their pace following a free throw series bringing the score to 62-60 in the last 1:36. A layup from Nwankwo and successful free throw series from Dixon and Jeselskis gave the Mustangs a 68-62 victory over the Gators.
 
Nwankwo was one rebound away from the team's first double-double since the 2021-22 season, scoring 14 points and nine rebounds, while also adding four steals. Jeselskis scored 12 points and had four rebounds on the evening. Dixon added 10 points and six rebounds.
 
The Mustangs hit the road this weekend as they travel to Roanoke College for the Jean Beamer Tip-Off Classic on November 18 for a 6 p.m. game.