FORT WAYNE, Ind. - On Saturday afternoon the University of Saint Francis Lady Cougars (2-0) completed their participation in the 2022 Ruth Gunden Memorial Classic at Goshen by taking on the William Jessup Warriors (0-2) and prevailed 62-57 after another strong third quarter.

As the game got underway the Lady Cougars and Warriors battled each other neck-and-neck throughout the frame. Each team excanging blows without either side able to gain a strong edge. Saint Francis led William Jessup 20-18 after the first frame.

Heading into the second quarter though, the Warriors stepped up on defense to stall the offensive attack by the Lady Cougars. Saint Francis managed to score just eight points in the frame as they were outscored 12-8 in the second and trailed William Jessup 30-28 going into halftime.

But coming out for the second half, the Lady Cougars turned it up. 

Strong defensive stops led to more scoring opportunities for the Lady Cougars and like they did on Friday, scored the most points of any quarter in the third by outscoring the Warriors 22-13 in the frame and taking a seven-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Now ahead 50-43 in the final frame, the Lady Cougars stepped it up themselves on defense and continued to apply the pressure on the offensive attack by the Warriors. Although Saint Francis was outscored 14-12 in the fourth, their defense was stellar enough to preserve a five-point victory and give the Lady Cougars a 2-0 record to open the season.

Throughout the game, the Lady Cougars shot 38 percent from the floor, 38 percent from beyond the three-point line, and 57 percent from the free throw line. Junior forward Cassidy Crawford and junior guard Reganne Pate each led the team in scoring with 14 points apiece while sophomore guard Emily Parrett and freshman guard Julia Mantyla also had double-digit points (12, 10). In addition, Crawford recorded a team-leading 10 rebounds for her first double-double of the season.

The Lady Cougars resume play on Friday evening when they travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to compete in the Franciscan Bowl hosted by Cardinal Stritch University with their first game against the Cardinal Stritch Wolves beginning at 5:30 pm. 

Cougar fans, stay updated with all events and recaps with USF Athletics by visiting Saintfranciscougars.com or by downloading the Saint Francis Cougars app.