Thursday, Nov. 14, William and Mary women’s basketball (1-3, 0-0 CAA) defeated Chowan (0-1,0-0 Conference Carolinas) 66-42 at Kaplan Arena in Williamsburg, Va.
The matchup marked the season’s first home game and first win for the Tribe. After a tough three losses on the road, William and Mary sailed to an easy victory against the Hawks.
A quick steal by sophomore guard Cassidy Geddes only eight seconds into the game led to a fast break layup by senior guard Bella Nascimento, starting off the Tribe’s dominating first quarter.
The Green and Gold played a quick-paced offensive, resulting in several fast breaks and quick shots. The Tribe shot 10-21 for 47.62% field goals in the first quarter.
With five minutes remaining in the first, the Tribe went on a significant run, including two back-to-back threes by sophomore guard Monet Dance and graduate student forward Rebekah Frisby-Smith, two layups by graduate student center Kayla Beckwith and Nascimento and a final three by Frisby-Smith. William and Mary sealed off the first quarter with a score of 29-6.
The Gold and Green defense came out strong to start the second quarter, forcing turnovers in its first three defensive possessions.
The Hawks, however, were more dynamic in the second quarter. With their shots finally falling, they matched the Tribe at 13-13, finishing the half 42-19.
The Tribe continued its streak of converting quick steals into layups to open the third quarter.
Green and Gold scored 20 points to Chowan’s 14 in the third, capitalizing on fast breaks, and making 3-pointers and free throws.
The fourth quarter proved rough for both teams offensively.
Chowan slipped in a three and layup, while the Tribe gained six fouls within the first four minutes.
Although the Hawks began to claw their way back, the Tribe kept them at bay with a final score of 66-42.
The Green and Gold played a fast game that pushed the ball in every opportunity given, made possible due to frequent subbing. Head coach Erin Dickerson Davis ensured that every player saw floor time.
“It was important to get some of our younger players some time today to prepare themselves for conference,” Dickerson Davis said. “You never know what happens, and you never know when your number is going to get called.”
The Tribe faces a tough inter-conference rival Thursday, Nov. 21 against Richmond (4-0, 0-0 A-10) at the Robins Center in Richmond, Va.