In a thrilling display of resilience, the Stonehill College women’s basketball team overcame a five-point deficit with just seconds remaining in the first overtime to secure a 77-75 victory over Chicago State University. The game, played on Paula Sullivan Court at Merkert Gymnasium, showcased the prowess of postgrad Kylie Swider and senior Sharn Hayward, who collectively led the Skyhawks to their third consecutive Northeast Conference win.

Experience Unmatched Intensity as the Skyhawks Secure an Epic Win

A Tale of Two Overtimes

The match was far from ordinary, with the Skyhawks erasing a five-point gap in the dying moments of the first overtime. Kylie Swider emerged as the hero, scoring ten of her career-high 24 points during the two overtime periods. Her clutch performances included forcing a second overtime session with a basket at the buzzer and sealing the win with another critical score in double-overtime.Swider's contributions were not limited to scoring; she also hauled in a career-best 16 rebounds, including seven offensive boards. Her efforts were pivotal in giving the Skyhawks the edge they needed to outlast Chicago State. The game saw 21 lead changes and 11 ties, underscoring the competitive nature of both teams.

The Powerhouse Performances

Sharn Hayward delivered another stellar outing, posting her seventh 20-point game of the season. She netted 28 points, including 22 after halftime, and made six three-pointers. Her performance in the third quarter, where she scored 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting, was particularly impactful. Hayward's consistency has been a cornerstone of the Skyhawks' success this season.Sophomore Brooke Paquette added depth to the offense with a career-high ten assists, while senior Maureen Stapleton contributed significantly on the boards with eight rebounds. The synergy between these players ensured that the Skyhawks could maintain momentum even when the pressure mounted.

Chicago State's Fightback

Chicago State, led by junior Josie Hill and freshman Aiyanna Culver, put up a formidable challenge. Hill finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, and four blocked shots, while Culver added 16 points and four assists. Their combined effort allowed the Cougars to rally from a seven-point deficit late in the fourth quarter, ultimately sending the game into overtime.Despite their valiant effort, the Cougars fell short in the final moments, unable to counter Swider's decisive plays. Senior Tania Allen and Evangelina Parrish provided valuable support off the bench, but it wasn't enough to overcome the resilient Skyhawks.

A Historical Milestone for Stonehill

This victory marks several milestones for Stonehill College. It is the team's first three-game winning streak at the NCAA Division I level and their first overtime win since transitioning to this level. Head coach Trisha Brown achieved her 300th conference win, solidifying her legacy in the program's history.The Skyhawks have now won their first three NEC games for the first time since joining the Conference. This achievement highlights the team's growth and adaptability. Additionally, the win brings Stonehill closer to becoming one of only 49 women's basketball programs across all NCAA levels to reach 1,000 victories.

Looking Ahead

Stonehill (7-9, 3-0 NEC) will face LIU for their first NEC road contest of the season in Brooklyn, New York, on January 11, 2025. Meanwhile, Chicago State (1-17, 1-2 NEC) prepares for its next matchup against Le Moyne College on January 18, 2025.The excitement generated by this game promises a bright future for the Skyhawks, as they continue to build on their impressive start to the season. Fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters as the team aims to make its mark in the Northeast Conference.