The Misericordia University women's basketball team defeated Wilkes University, 78-54, in its MAC Freedom opener to remain undefeated on the season, Wednesday in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Japriya Carroll led all scorers with 18 points while shooting 8-18 from the field. The senior guard now leads the team with 15.4 points per game, which ranks sixth in the MAC Freedom.
Rachel Carmody scored 12 points to continue her double figures streak. Carmody has recorded double digit points in all eight contests this season with 14.8 points per game.
Paige Wampole captured her first double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds while
Jordan Barth grabbed 10 boards off the bench.
Misericordia pulled away from Wilkes with a stellar fourth quarter. The Cougars outscored the Colonels 23-7 while shooting 56 percent (9-16) from the field.
Early in the fourth,
Tessa Zamolyi scored five points in one second when she was sent to the foul line twice. The sophomore fought off contact to make a tough layup, but missed the extra free throw. However, Barth drew a loose ball foul on the ensuing rebound, earning her team an extra possession.
Zamolyi scored once more on the following inbounds play, drew another foul and connected at the line to complete the three-point play and expand the team's lead to 14 points, which was its largest advantage up to that point.
Misericordia began to distance themselves from the Colonels in the second quarter, outscoring Wilkes 17-12. After a Wilkes' bucket to begin the second stanza,
Japriya Carroll answered with a three-pointer to give the squad a 19-14 lead.
Later in the half, Misericordia orchestrated a 6-0 run while holding Wilkes scoreless for just under five minutes of play. The Cougars shot 42.1 percent from the field for the quarter while the Colonels shot 21.1 percent.
Wilkes responded in the third quarter with a 14-4 run to start the period. The Colonels rally was capped-off by a Gab Giordano three-pointer, which brought Wilkes within one point midway through the quarter.
Moments later, Misericordia rallied and expanded its lead to six points when
Paige Wampole's block led to a Carroll three-point play in transition. Carroll received an outlet pass from
Leanne Forsyth and drove through traffic for a tough bucket before finishing at the free throw with 2:38 remaining in the quarter.
With seconds remaining in the third,
Erica Haefele drew a foul on the fast break and knocked down two free throws to give the Cougars a 55-47 lead heading into the fourth.
After Wilkes brought the game within one point with 6:13 left in the third, the Cougars ended the game on a 39-16 run and never surrendered the lead
Misericordia improved to 8-0 while Wilkes dropped to 3-5. The Cougars will continue MAC Freedom play at FDU-Florham, Saturday.
