The Emerson Lions Women’s Basketball Team took down the Wellesley College Blues in a 69-59 triumph on the Hank Smith Court at the Bobbi Brown & Steven Plofker Gym on Thursday.
Although the Lions won by a 10-point margin, it was a close battle throughout. The Lions surrendered their lead in the late third quarter, and Wellesley briefly pulled ahead by two points with 4:25 left in the period.
“I think we knew, especially after the game we played against them last year, that we wanted to come out stronger,” said junior guard Bri Frongillo. “I think we had faith in that—we are the better team.”
In the last matchup between these two NEWMAC teams, the Lions narrowly defeated the Blues by two points. With this win, the Lions now have the longest winning streak against Wellesley in the program’s history, with three consecutive wins, according to Emerson’s Athletics Website.
“The game against them last year was ugly. They are a team that forces you out of your comfort zone,” said Coach Bill Gould.
The Lions started off strong with Frongillo’s jumper and sophomore guard Kendra Dodd’s three-pointer. The Blues responded quickly with layups and free throws. The Lions led by one point to close the first quarter, 15-14.
The Lions expanded their lead to seven points in the second quarter with an exceptional perimeter performance. They drilled five three-pointers, complemented by layups from graduate center Charlotte Levison, and led 37-30 at the end of the second quarter.
The third quarter was a tough battle, as the Wellesley Blues erased the Lions’ lead with a 7-0 run with 4:25 left in the quarter. However, active play in the paint, specifically rebounding and successful putbacks, helped the Lions regain a three-point lead, 51-48 by the end of the third.
The Lions shook off their slump and found their groove in the final quarter. With a well-rounded attack inside and out, they pulled away and closed out the game with a 10-point lead.
Dodd was the star of the game. She posted a season-high 20 points, including six three-pointers. She shattered multiple personal season records, including field goal attempts (17), three-point attempts (16) and three-pointers made (six).
Her impact wasn’t limited to the offensive side of the ball, though. She also tallied two blocks and three steals, both personal season highs.
“Kendra was hooping today. She played a great game, and she was just locked in from the start. She came up really big,” said Frongillo.
When asked about Dodd’s work ethic, both Gould and Frongillo were full of praise.
“Kenny is always getting shots up after practice, before practice, before games. She is always in the gym,” said Frongillo. “It’s all the work she’s putting in. It’s really paying off.”
Frongillo contributed 12 points and 11 assists. As a major ball distributor, she helped secure the victory despite being frequently double-teamed.
One of the Lions’ strengths throughout the season has been their bench depth and extensive rotations, which were on full display in this game. The Lions scored 22 points off the bench, compared to just two points for the Wellesley Blues. Nearly every player on the roster got minutes.
However, the Lions’ key guard, freshman Jessie Silk, saw very limited action in this game.
“Jessie has some issues, but she will be alright. If this was the championship game, she would be playing,” said Gould.
