BABSON PARK, Mass. - The Hartford women's basketball team played game one of two in the Judy Pearson '85 Memorial Tournament against Babson College this Monday evening. The Hawks ultimately fell 67-65 in a hard fought battle on the road bringing their new season record to 3-7.

Rapid Recap:

• The Hawks opened the evening with early energy as junior Ava Naszimento (Secaucus, N.J.) and junior Ella Marchesani (Saddle Brook, N.J.) combined for eight points, including a key three that pushed the Hawks over the Beavers. The Hawks generated looks in transition and on second chances but struggled to convert at the rim, while Babson capitalized on the perimeter briefly edging in front after an Emily Flynn three. Hartford responded with a strong stretch as junior Taryn Blevin (St. Louis, Mo.) knocked down a jumper before Ella drilled a wing triple to push the Hawks in front. Junior Lauren Sabia (Simsbury, Conn.) added a deep three late to extend the advantage, up five with just under two minutes remaining. Babson closed out the quarter with back to back scores trimming Hartford's lead to 14-13.
• Babson grabbed momentum to start the frame, using a quick three and layups to erase Hartford's lead and build separation, pulling an 11-point run over the Hawks to bring the score to 29-16. The Hawks generated trips to the line with Marchesani keeping them within reach but steady Babson scoring in the paint and from deep pushed the deficit. Freshman Allie Shenloogian (Park Ridge, N.J.) added a fast-break finish to give Hartford a spark late, yet Babson continued to convert. The Hawks headed into the locker rooms trailing 32-22 after a cold shooting stretch.
• Hartford came out attacking the lane, using finishes from Marchesani and sophomore Maya Okoro (Frisco, Texas) to cut into the gap before outside shooting by sophomore Mackenzie Hohulin (Plymouth, Mass.) and Sabia added momentum. Each time the Hawks threatened, Babson answered with transition scoring and second-chance points to maintain control. A deep Sabia three in the closing seconds gave Hartford a boost, but Babson's steady replies sent the Hawks into the fourth down 57-44.
• Hartford mounted a furious comeback in the fourth, with Sabia carrying the load going to score 17 of the Hawks' 18 points in the quarter. Sabia hit multiple threes, finished at the rim, and knocked down a key jumper to pull Hartford within striking distance. Hartford's defense created turnovers to fuel this comeback. Sabia's big three under pressure with 22 seconds left tied the game at 65 a piece. Babson answered with a late layup and Hartford's final attempt fell short to walk away 67-65.

Inside The Numbers:

• Sabia led the Hawks scoring with 29 points (11-17 FG, 7-7 3PT) an all-time career high for the junior along with grabbing three rebounds for the team.  Marchesani was just behind at 18 points (4-15 FG, 1-8 3PT, 9-10 FT) taking down two rebounds. 
• Okoro was a powerhouse under the hoop tonight taking home seven rebounds along with four points (2-6 FG) and one assist.
• Hartford's depth stood out tonight with the Hawks' bench pouring in 37 points.
• Babson outscored in fast-break points 12-2 over the Hawks along with 21-14 in points off turnovers.

Up Next:
The Hawks will continue to compete in the Judy Pearson '85 Memorial Tournament tomorrow, December 30th with a tip-off at 3:00 P.M as they take on UMass Dartmouth.

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