The Monmouth University Women's Basketball Team showcased their defensive prowess in a thrilling 52 - 36 win over Rider. This home stand has been a perfect 3 - 0 for the Hawks, and Thursday night's game was a testament to their hard work and teamwork.

Monmouth Hawks Dominate with Defensive Tenacity

First Quarter Highlights

Junior forward Ella Farrelly was on fire in the first quarter, scoring eight of her nine total points. Her pair of corner threes and Taisha Exanor's three-pointer helped the Hawks jump out to an 18 - 4 lead. Monmouth shot an impressive 40.0% from the floor, while Rider struggled at just 11.8%.This early lead set the tone for the game, showing the Hawks' offensive firepower and ability to take control. 2: The first quarter dominance gave the Hawks a significant advantage, setting the stage for a closely contested game. It was clear that their defensive efforts in the first quarter had disrupted Rider's offense and allowed them to build a comfortable lead.

Second Half Struggles and Comebacks

In the second half, Divine Dibula had a strong performance, helping to keep Rider at bay. Despite Rider's efforts to make a comeback, Monmouth's offense responded with a 12 - 2 run when the game was within seven at 6:55 of the fourth quarter. 2: Damaris Rodriguez's game - high 14 points and six assists, along with her pair of triples, were crucial in maintaining the Hawks' lead. The team's ability to stay focused and execute their plays in the face of Rider's comeback attempts was impressive.

Rebounding Battle and Other Statistics

Monmouth pulled in 49 rebounds, a season high, and dominated the rebounding battle with a 43 - 38 advantage. They also outscored Rider 12 - 5 off turnovers and had more points in the paint (20 - 18) and second chance points (8 - 5). 2: Despite Rider having more fastbreak points (5 - 4) and two fewer turnovers (17 - 15), Monmouth's overall performance on the boards and in key areas gave them the edge. These statistics highlight the team's ability to control the game on both ends of the floor.

Up Next and Future Outlook

The Hawks are now heading back on the road to play NJIT on Monday, Dec. 9. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN + at 7 p.m., and fans are excited to see how the team will perform in their next game. 2: This victory gives the Hawks confidence as they look ahead to their next challenge. Their defensive efforts and teamwork will be crucial as they continue to strive for success in the upcoming games.