WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - The Hartford women's basketball team welcomed back alumni this Saturday to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 2005-06 women's basketball team earning the America East Tournament Title. The Hawks faced off against Johnson and Wales University where they ultimately fell 69-55, this now brings the Hawks to 11-9 overall and 8-3 in the Conference of New England (CNE).

Rapid Recap:

• Hartford found its footing early after junior Kendall Rieman (Chicago, Ill.) opened the scoring with a strong finish in the paint to earn the first basket of the afternoon. Building off of Reiman's momentum pulling a 10-2 run over the Wildcats. Freshman Allie Shenloogian (Park Ridge, N.J.) provided an immediate spark off the bench scoring on consecutive possessions to help Hartford cushion their advantage. Halfway through this opening quarter the Hawks opened gaps for the Wildcats to put points on the board. JWU answered behind the plays of Isabella Suero who knocked down jumpers and triples to bring the game tied at 11. The Wildcats took control of the game to close the first strong with a 17-13 lead over Hartford.
• Junior Sidnee Bowden (Canton, Ohio) kicked off the second quarter chipping away at JWU's lead at the free throw line converting on both to make it a two-point game. The Wildcats' found a lot of their success beyond the arc in this second quarter to stretch their lead. The Hawks continued to battle inside as junior Ava Naszimento (Secaucus, N.J.) and junior Lauren Sabia (Simsbury, Conn.) collecting boards and put away lay-ups to chase down the Wildcats. Despite their push, the Wildcats took another lead heading into the halftime now up 40-25.
• The Hawks came out of the break looking to trim down the deficit with senior Paige Loughman (Bernardston, Mass.) doing the work both offensively and defensively to attempt and answer the Wildcats' big shots. Hartford struggled to maintain possession, losing the ball at mid-court, missing key jumpers, giving the Wildcats all the confidence they needed to try shots beyond the arc, and they were successful. JWU ran out of this third quarter up 53-35.
• Hartford opened the fourth quarter with energy and determination. Loughman knocked down a pair of threes to help the Hawks bring down the deficit to just 12. Naszimento continued to attack the paint, finishing through contact and converting at the line, while Shenloogian added an inside basket to bring Hartford within 10 halfway through the final period. JWU responded with clean shots and steady free-throw production down the stretch to halt the comeback attempt. Despite a strong fourth-quarter effort, the Wildcats had built enough separation over the first three quarters to make it difficult for the Hawks to complete the comeback.

• Shenloogian led the Hawks this afternoon putting up 15 points (7-14 FG, 1-2 3PT, 0-2 FT) along with seven rebounds. Naszimento continues to put up double digit points in these match-ups, today she put up 10 (3-10 FG, 4-7 FT) collecting four rebounds and finding six assists. Loughman also showed her strength with 10 points (4-7 FG, 2-3 3PT, 0-2 FT) taking down two boards.
• For the Wildcats it was Brianne Foley to lead with 17 points (6-16 FG, 3-5 3PT, 2-2 FT) and two assists, Foley also leading defensively with nine rebounds.
• The Hawks found their strength from the bench today going for 30-22 points compared to JWU. Turnovers were the make or break in this game as the Wildcats capitalized on 12 fast break points forcing 10 turnovers.

Up Next:
The Hawks will head to Boston, Mass. to take on Suffolk University this upcoming Tuesday, February 3rd with a tip-off time of 5:30 P.M.

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