On a chilly Friday night in Williamstown, the Wesleyan women’s basketball team faced off against the formidable Ephs for the second time in just seven days. The Cardinals were determined to avenge their recent home defeat and nearly succeeded, only to fall short in an intense 69-64 overtime loss. Despite the outcome, the game showcased remarkable resilience and thrilling moments that left fans on the edge of their seats.

A Heart-Stopping Battle That Came Down to the Wire

The Opening Salvo: A Promising Start for Wesleyan

The game began with Wesleyan firing on all cylinders. The Cardinals displayed impressive offensive prowess, scoring 20 points in the first quarter. Olivia Quinn and Meghan Kirck each hit two three-pointers within the opening minutes, setting the tone for what would be an electrifying contest. Meanwhile, the defense held strong, limiting Williams to just 6-of-19 shooting in the same period. By the end of the first quarter, Wesleyan had established a commanding 20-14 lead, fueling hopes for a potential upset.As the game progressed into the second quarter, Wesleyan continued to dominate. Tori DaCosta scored early, followed by Alli Jones, who extended the lead to 24-14—Wesleyan’s largest advantage of the night. Although Williams managed to narrow the gap to three points midway through the quarter, Felicia Fongemie’s timely three-pointer pushed the score to 31-23. However, Williams closed out the half with a flurry of baskets, trailing by only three points at halftime.

Battling Back and Forth: A Tense Second Half

The third quarter saw both teams locked in a defensive struggle, with neither side able to gain significant momentum. For nearly three minutes, neither team could find the basket, leading to a low-scoring period where both combined for just 21 points. Williams eventually took a slim 39-36 lead, but Wesleyan quickly responded. Jones converted a crucial layup, and Quinn’s three-pointer put the Cardinals back on top 41-39 as the fourth quarter approached.In the final frame, Wesleyan unleashed a 10-0 run, fueled by Fongemie’s jumper and Kirck’s deep shots. This surge gave the Cardinals a 46-39 lead, but Williams wasn’t about to go down without a fight. The Ephs mounted a relentless comeback, scoring 16 unanswered points to take a five-point lead with just over four minutes remaining. The tension escalated as the clock ticked down, with both teams trading blows until the final seconds.

Overtime Drama: A Last-Gasp Effort

With the game tied at 59, the stage was set for an unforgettable overtime. Wesleyan struggled offensively in the extra session but managed to regain the lead briefly on Quinn’s free throws. However, Williams’ Micah Walton answered with a pivotal three-point play, reclaiming the lead for the Ephs. Despite a valiant effort from Wesleyan, including a near-game-tying three-pointer from Kirck, the Cardinals ultimately fell short. Gerig sealed the victory for Williams with two decisive free throws, securing a hard-fought 69-64 win in overtime.

Key Performances and Looking Ahead

Olivia Quinn emerged as Wesleyan’s standout player, contributing 19 points, while Jones added 14 points and nine rebounds. Fongemie chipped in with 12 points and five rebounds, and Kirck’s shooting from beyond the arc proved crucial throughout the game. Despite the loss, Wesleyan demonstrated remarkable determination and teamwork. The Cardinals now turn their focus to their upcoming match against Middlebury, aiming to build on this performance and secure a much-needed victory.