The nationally-ranked Hardin-Simmons women’s basketball team jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as it defeated William Smith 76-52 on day one of the Mauro Panaggio Tournament hosted by DME Academy. With the loss, the Herons fall to 0-7 on the season, while the No. 16 ranked Cowgirls improve to 10-1 with the win.
Sophomore Amelia McCulley led William Smith with 16 points, two steals, one block and one rebound in the loss. Classmate Ava Lobozzochipped in nine points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal for the Herons. First-year Jojo Sulmasy added five points and one assist against the Cowgirls.
Madison Williams led Hardin-Simmons with 19 points, seven steals, five assists and three rebounds. Aiken Semones chipped in 16 points, four steals, three assists and two rebounds in the win for the Cowgirls.
TEAM TOTALS
- Rebounds: Hardin-Simmons 44, William Smith 29
- Assists: Hardin-Simmons 17, William Smith 8
- Turnovers: William Smith 33, Hardin-Simmons 23
- Steals: Hardin-Simmons 23, William Smith 12
- Blocked Shots: William Smith 3, Hardin-Simmons 1
HERON STAT LEADERS
- Scoring: Amelia McCulley 16, Ava Lobozzo 9, Jojo Sulmasy 5, Faith Okoli 4, Bridget McCleary 4, Grace O’Connor 4
- Rebounding: Grace O’Connor 4, Miranda Martin 4, Giana Lobozzo 4
- Assists: Charlotte Miller 3, Jojo Sulmasy 1, Ava Lobozzo 1, Bridget McCleary 1, Giana Lobozzo 1, McKenzie Mandyck 1
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Cowgirls jumped out to an 11-0 lead after a fast start before a McCulley layup ended the scoring run for Hardin-Simmons.
- Hardin-Simmons shot 44% from the floor in the opening quarter and held a 14-6 advantage in rebounding through the first quarter to maintain a 16-point lead heading into the second.
- Despite the Cowgirls maintaining the momentum in the second quarter, the Herons offense came alive as it shot 55% from the floor. William Smith grabbed eight rebounds in the second quarter to keep them in the game.
- The Herons went on an 8-0 run early in the second quarter and found four points from Ava Lobozzo to bring William Smith within 14.
- McCulley found the hot hand late in the first half, but a Semones three-pointer gave the Cowgirls an 18-point lead heading into halftime.
- Hardin-Simmons regained the momentum to open the second half as it went on a 17-2 scoring run to extend their lead.
- William Smith used strong shooting from the free throw line to keep them in the game as the Herons went 12-for-13 from the line in the third quarter.
- The Herons turned up the pressure in the fourth quarter as they outscored the Cowgirls 18-15 in the final 10 minutes.
- Like the third quarter, William Smith found most of its points from the free throw line as the Herons went a perfect 11-for-11 from the line. Okoli sunk four free throws to close out the game for William Smith.
- The nationally-ranked Cowgirls earned their 10th win of the season as they closed out the nonconference action with a 76-52 win over the Herons.
UP NEXT
William Smith will be back in action tomorrow as it takes on Brockport in the consolation game of the 2024 Mauro Panaggio Tournament in Daytona Beach. Action against the Golden Eagles is set for 11 a.m. at DME Academy.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].