Double-Doubles Draw Recognition for Griffins’ Freshman Forward; Wildgoose & Milligan Return to CACC Weekly Report
New Haven, Conn. - (11/30/2015) – Chestnut Hill College’s freshman forward Jaeda Wildgoose (Somerset, N.J.) and junior forward Lauren Milligan (South Hampton, England) led the Griffins to a 1-2 week that included a 27-point, overtime comeback in the Pocono Classic finale. Wildgoose recorded back-to-back double-doubles at the Pocono Classic, earning an all-tournament selection en route to this week’s Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Rookie of the Week award. Milligan was an Honor Roll mention for the league’s top defender award.
Wildgoose improved from a nine-point, 15-rebound performance in a 79-61 loss at Kutztown University, on Tuesday, November 24, to offer double-doubles in both of Chestnut Hill College’s (2-2) challenges at East Stroudsburg University’s Pocono Classic. Her 17-point, 11-rebound game versus the hosting Warriors on Saturday, November 28, was followed, on Sunday, November 29, by a career-high 19 points and 10 rebounds in the Griffins’ miraculous rally versus the Lady Pioneers of Glenville State College. She added two assists, three blocks, and two steals for the week while Milligan supported her with a versatile series of games. Milligan averaged 6.7 points-per-game (PPG), 10.3 rebounds-per-game (RPG), and 3.0 assists-per-game (APG), while recording two blocks and eight steals. She currently leads the league in rebounding with 11.3 per contest.
On Tuesday, Kutztown University narrowly led Chestnut Hill College at the end of the first quarter, 16-15, but the second quarter made all the difference as the Golden Bears separated for a 42-27 halftime lead before leaving the Griffins behind in a 79-61 final. Newcomers, Wildgoose and guard Mary Trossi (Somerset, N.J.) led the Griffin effort, which got plenty of help from junior transfer Caity Kuhnen (Binghamton, N.Y.). Wildgoose recorded nine points, a team-high 15 rebounds, an assist, and a block while Milligan offered six points, seven rebounds, an assist, and a block.
Over the weekend, Chestnut Hill College held a 15-9 lead over East Stroudsburg University (ESU) at the close of the first quarter. But the Warriors soon got comfortable on their home court, shooting their way their first win of the season, 64-45, over the Griffins. Wildgoose continued the strong start her collegiate career with her first double-double effort; a 17-point, 11-rebound performance that kept the Griffins competitive until midway through the third quarter of Saturday's challenge at the Pocono Classic. Wildgoose was 7-of-18 (.389) from the floor and 3-of-5 (.600) from the free throw line in addition to an assist, a block, and a steal. Milligan showcased her versatility and headlined the Griffins' defensive effort with seven points, nine rebounds, an assist, a block, and seven steals.
Down by as many as 27 points, 74-47, with 5:55 remaining in the third quarter of Sunday’s meeting with Glenville State College, Chestnut Hill College held the Lady Pioneers to 28 points over the final 20 minutes, stifling them for a 29.1% (32-of-110) shooting performance in the affair. The Griffins came back from a 25-point, 65-40, halftime advantage to defeat the Lady Pioneers 100-98 (OT) in overtime, breaking even for their stay at the Pocono Classic. Wildgoose totaled 19 points and 10 points for her second straight double-double effort and earned a spot on the Pocono Classic All-Tournament Team with her prominent post play while Milligan supplied another resourceful performance, grinding for seven points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, and a steal.
The Griffins will use their momentum from Sunday’s dramatic conclusion to inspire them for the start of their CACC schedule, which begins with a 6:00 p.m. home contest against Georgian Court University on Wednesday, December 2.