Spiders win their third straight game against Saint Louis University

The University of Richmond women’s basketball team won 84-74 against Saint Louis University on Feb. 15th, making this their third straight win. 

The Spiders had a slow start to the game, shooting 40% from the field and having five turnovers. At the end of the first quarter, UR was down 18-15. 

During the second quarter, momentum picked up for both teams and the pace of the game quickened. Many Spiders scored 3-pointers, including junior guard Siobhan Ryan, junior forward Addie Budnik, sophomore guard Katie Hill and sophomore guard Sydney Boone, giving them a 66.7% accuracy from the 3-point range. 

The Spiders’ biggest struggle during the first half was their turnovers. In the second quarter alone, they had eight turnovers, totalling 13 for the half, giving the Billikens many opportunities to be on the offensive. Despite this difficulty, the Spiders were only down 40-37 going into the third quarter. 

The Spiders battled hard against the Billikens during the second half, and only allowed them to score nine points in the third quarter. The Spiders also maintained offensive control by significantly reducing their turnovers. Towards the end of the quarter, the Spiders went on a 5-0 run and ended the quarter ahead 53-49.

In the fourth quarter, the Spiders started pulling ahead. The Billikens were heavily fouling players, allowing UR to build a lead, and the Spiders eventually came out victorious 84-74. By the end of the game, five Spiders scored in double digits; first-year forward Maggie Doogan, junior guard Grace Townsend, Hill, Budnik and first-year guard Rachel Ullstrom. 

“I just thought we just couldn’t get in a rhythm because of the turnovers,” UR Head Coach Aaron Roussell said. 

With 13 turnovers in the first half and shooting 50% from the paint, the Spiders struggled to fend off the Billikens. The second half was a different story as they reduced their turnovers and pulled ahead.

“I thought we bounced back from some tough moments today,” Roussell said. 

The Spiders are 6-5 in their conference and 16-8 overall. Their next game is away at 2:00 p.m. Feb. 18 vs. Duquesne University. 

Contact sports writer Annie Clarkson at annie.clarkson@richmond.edu