A strong second quarter by nationally ranked West Chester University produced a double digit lead that the Chestnut Hill college women's basketball team was unable to overcome as the Golden Rams defeated the Griffins 71-51 at Hollinger Field House in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
The Griffins fall to 2-3 with the loss.  The Golden Rams, ranked #13 in the WBCA coaches' poll, improve to 3-0.

Bridie McCann led the Griffins with 18 points (6-12 FG, 4-4 FT).  Bri Rider added eight points while Avery White chipped in seven and led the team with six rebounds.  Caleigh Edwards had five rebounds while Rider led the team with three assists.

The Griffins held an early five point lead in the opening four minutes of the game.  Two three point baskets from the Rams then erased the lead and put the golden Rams ahead as they proceeded on a 12-0 run.  Rider's three-point field goal in the final minute cut West Chester's lead to four. 

Caraline Herb's basket 90 seconds into the second quarter pulled the Griffins within two, 20-18.  West Chester then exploded for 17 straight points to take a 19-point lead.  Edwards' layup with 1:05 left broke the scoring drought and made the score 37-20 as the two teams headed for the locker rooms at halftime.

The Golden Rams maintained their double digit advantage throughout the second half and increased their lead to as many as 28 in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter.  The Griffins closed out the game with a 14-6 run to cut the final deficit to 20, 71-51.

The Griffins struggled from the field, shooting 35.2% (19-54) while the golden Rams shots 47.6% (30-63).  Both teams were perfect from the free throw with the Griffins making eight free throws and WCU seven.   WCU held a 36-32 rebounding advantage and committed seven fewer turnovers (10-17).

The women's basketball team returns to action on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, when they open conference play with a game at Wilmington University.  Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m.