WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The Huntington women’s basketball team turned in a gritty performance against #7 Marian (14-2, 6-0) Saturday afternoon at the PE Center. While it wasn’t the outcome they were hoping for, a 70-57 loss, Culler and crew made it clear they can battle with the some of the nation’s best.

The Foresters went toe-to-toe with the Knights in the first half to play within four, 37-33, of their hosts at the break. Behind Erica Zook’s ten points, the HU starters accounted for all but four points in the frame. The opening 20 minutes also saw the visitors track down seven offensive boards and swipe six steals.

The third quarter was Huntington’s Achilles’ heel. Despite a slashing layup by Zook and long ball by Dazia Drake that pulled the Foresters within one at 39-38 less than three minutes into the quarter, things went chilly for Culler’s crew after that for a 54-40 Marian advantage heading into the final ten minutes.

While HU never cracked the lead to single digits after that, they outscored the Knights by one in the fourth to make for the 13-point difference.

Drake and Zook had their best games of the season to finish with 16 and 14 points respectively. Maddy Robrock chipped in eight points while Emily Seboe posted a team-best six rebounds and game-high four steals.

Ella Collier, arguably one of the nation’s finest shooters, finished with 21 points to top all scorers. Imani Guy collected a double double of 17 points and 14 rebounds for Marian.

It doesn’t get any easier for the Foresters (2-15, 0-6) who finally return to Platt Arena, after six straight road games, to host #11 IWU on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.