EASTON, MA – The Rider University women's basketball team was defeated, 77-55, Thursday night at Stonehill. The Broncs fall to 1-2 on the season, while the Skyhawks improve to 2-1 on the year.
 
After the sides were trading baskets early and tied 10-10, Deb Okechukwu (Washington, DC/Archbishop Carroll [Harcum CC/CCBC – Essex]) went on an individual 5-0 run as the Broncs led 15-12 after the opening frame.
 
The Broncs connected from behind the arc in the second. Amany Lopez (Springfield, MA/South Shore Christian Prep), Alena Cofield (Langhorne, PA/Neshaminy), and Daniya Brown () all connected from deep and Emmy Roach (Littlehampton, Australia/Heathfield) knocked down a pair of triples for Rider's first 15 points of the second quarter, as the Broncs maintained a 30-26 advantage. The Skyhawks countered with a 6-0 run, taking their first lead of the contest at 32-30. Rider would come back to tie the game 34-34 at the break.
 
The Broncs picked up where they left off to begin the third with Cofield and Kristina Ekofo (Brussels, Belgium/ Établissement Des Soeurs De Notre Dame[North Dakota State University/Northeastern Oklahoma A&M]) knocking down triples to give Rider a quick six point lead. With Rider leading 44-40, Stonehill ended the quarter on a 12-0 run to lead 52-44 before a Rider basket to end the run made it 52-46 after three quarters.
 
Leading 61-52 early in the fourth, The Skyhawks pulled away with a 13-1 run and the Broncs were unable to recover.
 
Quotes & Notes
"Really disappointed in our second-half effort after a solid first half. Credit to Stonehill, who was the more disciplined and tougher team tonight." - Head Coach Jackie Hartzell

- Stonehill evens the all-time series at 1-1.
- Ekofo led Rider with 11 points to finish in double figures for the third time this season.
- Roach matched Ekofo with a career-high 11 to reach double digits for the second time this season and third time in her career.
 
Broncs By The Numbers
- Rider shot 35.6% (21-59) from the field, and 37.5% from three (9-24). The Skyhawks shot 45.0% (27-60) from the field and 27.3% (6-22) from three.
- The Broncs had 16 assists on their 21 made baskets, led by five from Aliya McIver (White Plains, NY/White Plains).
- Stonehill outrebounded Rider 47-31, including a 15-8 edge on the offensive glass. Roach led Rider with seven boards.
 
Up Next
The Broncs wrap up the week with their third game in four days, playing at Bryant Saturday at 5 p.m.