BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Elmhurst University women's basketball team traveled to Illinois Wesleyan for their third conference match up of the season.

The Bluejays hold an overall record (7-2), and a (1-2) CCIW. The Titans remain undefeated with a (9-0) and (3-0) in the CCIW.

The Bluejays feature several standout players based on their recent performances. Rowan Cusack made an impact as a guard with a strong defensive presence, recording two steals. Kristin Bukata contributed defensively with two blocks, while also scoring 10 points. Jaikyliah Ravizee excelled by leading the team with three steals and adding four rebounds to her performance. Natalie Harty was effective from beyond the arc, hitting three 3-pointers and finishing with 11 points, while also contributing two steals. Lastly, Cierra Steemer showed versatility by scoring nine points and securing four rebounds.

HOW IT HAPPENED

In the first quarter, the Bluejays and the Titans exchanged scoring runs and turnovers, resulting in a close contest. The Titans initiated the scoring with Mallory Powers' layup at 9:00, but the Bluejays responded, taking a 3-2 lead after Bukata's free throw at 8:30. Cusack contributed significantly for the Bluejays with a 3-pointer and a layup, helping them to an early lead. Despite the Titans' efforts, including a 3-pointer by Ava Bardic that tied the game at 16 with under a minute remaining, the Bluejays finished the quarter ahead, 18-16, after Steemer's fastbreak layup. Both teams struggled with turnovers, committing seven each, but the Bluejays managed to capitalize slightly better on their opportunities in the paint and fast breaks.

During the second quarter, the Titans established control with a strong offensive performance, outscoring the Bluejays 31-8. The quarter began with Mallory Powers hitting a 3-pointer at the 10:00 mark, assisted by Kate Palmer, setting the tone for the Titans. The Bluejays struggled with turnovers, committing seven in the quarter, including multiple by Rowan Cusack, which the Titans capitalized on with fast breaks and efficient shooting. Kate Palmer contributed significantly with a 3-pointer and several assists, while Lauren Huber added to the lead with key jump shots and layups, ultimately extending the Titans' advantage to 47-26 by the end of the quarter.

In the third quarter, the Titans outscored the Bluejays 28-12. The Titans started strong with Ava Bardic hitting a 3-pointer at the 10:00 mark, followed by a layup from Mallory Powers, extending their lead to 52-26. The Bluejays struggled with turnovers, with Bukata committing multiple turnovers, contributing to the Titans' scoring surge, including a 3-pointer by Kate Palmer at 5:03, which brought the score to 60-26. The Bluejays managed to close the quarter with a few successful plays, including a fastbreak layup by Maia Lewers at 1:12, but the Titans maintained a comfortable lead, ending the quarter 68-31.

In the fourth quarter, the Titans maintained their lead with efficient scoring in the paint, highlighted by Sara Balli's layup at the start. The Bluejays' Bukata responded with two successful free throws. A notable sequence occurred when the Titans' Payton Jacob hit a 3-pointer, extending their lead to 83-40, assisted by Sophia Feeney. The Bluejays' Harty showed resilience, hitting multiple 3-pointers, including a crucial one that brought the score to 56-93 with under a minute remaining. Despite both teams scoring 18 points in the quarter, the Titans' early lead secured their victory.

UP NEXT 

The Bluejays will face off against Saint Mary's College on Dec. 21st (2:00pm) at R.A Faganel Hall 

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