Women’s basketball falls to Rhode Island in season opener. BRENDEN WILLSCH/ COURTESY
Lois Boateng, Contributor
Women’s Basketball
The women’s basketball team played its home opener game of the season on Monday, Nov. 3, losing 52-38 to the Rhode Island Rams at Draddy Gymnasium.
The game started slow, with both teams employing strong defense to keep the score low. Colette Mulderig helped to keep Manhattan close with a couple of early layups, but Rhode Island pulled ahead with a late run to end the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Manhattan continued fighting, with Kristina Juric opening the scoring in the paint, followed by key baskets from Brianna Davis and Ishuana Hunter. Despite their efforts to keep the game within reach, Rhode Island extended its lead to 20 points by halftime.
The third quarter was a turning point for the Jaspers, who scored 17 points in the frame, including 11 points from the free-throw line. Davis and Hana Mühl helped the team gain back its momentum. By the fourth quarter, Manhattan tried to keep the energy going, and Davis continued scoring, maintaining the pace. Rhode Island kept the game strong, knocking down key shots and holding on to the lead.
Despite the strong lead from Rhode Island, Manhattan kept going, and the Rams responded every time. Ishauna Hunter scored the final points for Manhattan, but the Jaspers were unable to get back into the lead, which ended the night with 52-38 score and 0-1 record to start the season.
Senior guard Davis led the team with 18 points on five for 12 shooting, marking the second-highest scoring total of her Jasper career. Mulderig had seven points with two field goals and three points from the stripe. Eleven of the Jaspers’ 17 third-quarter points came at the free-throw line, contributing to their 17-4 run in the period.
Men’s Soccer
The Manhattan men’s soccer team closed out its MAAC season on Wednesday, falling 3-1 to Iona at Gaelic Park.
The match opened with heavy pressure from the Gaels, who took several shots early in the first 11 minutes into the game, but couldn’t break through right away. After 30 minutes of back-and-forth play, Iona finally scored the first goal in the 32nd minute of the game.
In the second half, Manhattan came out with energy, creating several scoring opportunities. However, Iona responded quickly, doubling their lead before the Jaspers could score. Manhattan midfielder Jason Araujo netted his first collegiate goal with an impressive strike roughly 35 yards out. Physical play intensified on both sides, resulting in multiple yellow cards.
In the 78th minute, Paul Abbatiello pushed the pace but it was unsuccessful, and Ibrahima Keita followed with another attempt but also fell short. The Gaels managed to transition and score a late goal that sealed their 3-1 victory.
Araujo finished the game with two shots and one target across 64 minutes of action off the bench. Redshirt junior defender Abbatiello recorded a match-high four shots with two on goal in 90 minutes on the pitch. Sophomore defender Max Asplin-Rowley registered one shot on goal in 90 minutes of game action. Graduate forward Henry Hamilton forward added one assist to his ledger in his final match as a member of the green and white in 90 minutes.