Witness the Wesleyan Women's Basketball Team's Comeback Magic

First Half Struggles and Key Moments

In the first half, both teams struggled offensively. However, Wesleyan's five three - pointers proved to be the difference, as they held a 29 - 24 halftime lead. The Cardinals couldn't manage a double - digit lead until the third quarter, showing the tenacity of Utica.

Tori DaCosta '25 started the second half with five consecutive points, giving Wesleyan their first double - digit lead at 34 - 24. Meghan Kirck '28, making her first career start, hit from deep, and her classmate Madie Dayton '28 later swished a triple to make it 45 - 33 late in the frame.

Fourth Quarter Comeback and Game - Deciding Run

Leading by 11 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Cardinals saw their advantage almost disappear as Utica scored 10 of the first 12 points. But the crucial 15 - 0 run down the stretch put any Utica comeback hopes to rest. DaCosta started the run with a basket in the paint, followed by Felicia Fongemie '27 scoring her first points with a three from the corner. Olivia Quinn '26 followed with a three - point make in transition, and Alli Jones '27 made it four straight possessions with a basket on the fast break.

Kirck hit again from three - point range before Fongemie hit a runner in the lane with just under one minute remaining. This blistering 4 + minute stretch closed out a 66 - 48 home win.

Team Statistics and Individual Performances

As a team, Wesleyan hit 10 three - pointers for the third time this season, while Utica went without a three - point make until the fourth quarter. Wesleyan dominated the glass, grabbing a season - high 55 rebounds (21 offensive) compared to 29 for Utica, giving them a +26 edge in rebounding margin.

DaCosta led the way with 18 points (8 - 13 FG) and 10 rebounds, achieving her first double - double of the season and her 12th career double - double. Quinn scored 16 points and hit four three - pointers. Kirck also had a great game with 12 points and four three - pointers. Fongemie dished out a career - high eight assists along with five points, six rebounds, and three steals. Jones finished with a career - high 21 rebounds (nine offensive) and added 11 points, five assists, and three blocks, marking her second double - double of the season and fourth career double - double.

Wesleyan will complete their home tournament on Saturday afternoon with a 3 PM tip against Salve Regina.