Richmond’s defense smothers Loyola Chicago in A-10 opener

The University of Richmond women’s basketball team opened Atlantic 10 Conference play with a 69-46 win over Loyola University Chicago on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at the Robins Center. With the victory, Richmond moved to 7-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play. This win also marked Richmond’s 25th home conference victory, a streak dating back to 2023. 

Richmond established control early, holding Loyola Chicago to 4 points in the first quarter and 10 points in the first half. Senior guard Rachel Ullstrom opened the scoring with a 3-pointer, and the Spiders built up a 17-4 lead by the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, a 14-0 Richmond run initiated by an and-1 play from sophomore guard Alicia Newell and three consecutive 3-pointers from Ullstrom extended the lead to 35-10 at halftime.

Head Coach Aaron Roussell stated that the team’s defensive posture was a determining factor in the first half. 

“I thought our defense was outstanding in the first half. We got them uncomfortable, rebounded really well, and picked up the pressure the way we wanted,” he said. “If we can continue to play like that, this is a very good defensive team.”

Richmond forced 20 Loyola turnovers that resulted in 25 points and recorded a season-high 10 steals. The Spiders also finished with six blocked shots and a 41-31 rebounding advantage. 

Ullstrom finished with 19 points, continuing her pattern of fast starts at home. She hit multiple threes in the first quarter and punished Loyola’s efforts to stay in the zone. She stated that early shooting contributions helped establish the team’s pace, noting, “The ball just finds me, and my teammates find me. Getting those early ones does help us start fast.” 

Roussell added, “Oh, it’s by design. We’re trying to get her to let it fly. Her teammates did a great job of finding her today.”

Richmond entered the night leading the A-10 in both 3-point percentage and 3-pointers made per game. The Spiders shot 40.7% from beyond the arc (11-of-27). 

“We’re confident shooters,” Ullstrom said. “We’re not going to pass up open shots. If it goes in, great. If not, next play.”

Doogan’s night also extended what has been one of the strongest statistical starts in the conference. She entered the game averaging 23.4 points and 10.0 rebounds, leading the A-10 for three weeks straight. Wednesday marked her seventh 20-point performance of the season.

Newell recorded a career-high five steals, along with 11 points, six rebounds, and three assists. She emphasized her defensive focus.

“My defense fuels almost 100% of my offense,” Newell said. “If I miss a shot, I’m going to go get the ball right back and find Rachel. The energy and the steals get everyone going.”

Richmond’s bench contributed 13 points. First-year guard Ava Persichetti recorded six points, and several underclassmen logged extended minutes. According to Roussell, providing younger players with meaningful game experience will be important as the season progresses. 

“We need our younger kids to get seasoning and experience,” he said. “Tonight helped with that.”

Richmond entered the week ranked No. 36 nationally in the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET), the highest ranking among Atlantic 10 programs. The team’s early-season schedule included matchups with nationally ranked opponents such as the University of Texas at Austin and Texas Christian University. Roussell noted that the team’s progression is consistent with past seasons., 

“There’s still spacing and reads to improve, but I like where we are,” Roussell said. “We match up well with where we’ve been at this point in other years.” 

The Spiders will continue their homestand on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m., when they host Fairfield University.

Contact sports writer Farah Šertović at farah.sertovic@richmond.edu