SPRINGFIELD, MA -- The Union women's basketball team opened the new year with a tough test, facing the top ranked team in the nation, Bowdoin College. The Bears, now 9-0, defeated Union, 64-43 in the Holiday Inn/Naismith Classic at Springfield College Tuesday. Union fell to 2-5 and will take on host Springfield Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the consolation game, as the Pride fell to Norwich, 60-51.
Senior forward Krystal Hammond (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) led the Dutchwomen with 10 rebounds, including six on the defensive boards. Junior guard Devon Ciliberto (New Paltz, NY/New Paltz) and sophomore forward Michelle Rogers (Clarence, NY/Clarence) had seven points each for Union, which shot 30% for the contest. Sophomore guard Selin Whitham (South Windsor, CT/South Windsor) had three assists for the Dutchwomen.
Bowdoin was led by Jill Anelauskas, who posted a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, and Eileen Flaherty, who scored a game high 23 points. The Bears entered the game on top of the D3hoops.com National Top 25 poll for this week.
Bowdoin shot 39% for the game and had a 50-34 rebounding advantage. The Bears took a 35-17 lead into the half, and won despite shooting 59% from the line for the game. Bowdoin also forced 23 Union turnovers.
This was Union's first game since December 9. After tomorrow, the Dutchwomen will play at Drew on Saturday.
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