READING, Pa. - In its final contest of the 2022 calendar year, the Haverford College women's basketball team (8-3) earned a nonconference win in a close 49-42 victory over the host Alvernia (6-4) Saturday afternoon.

Kayla Robinson who is currently averaging 13.5 points per game and 12.7 rebounds per game, walked away from this one with another double-double on Saturday, finishing with 11 points and 14 rebounds. Ally Landau registered her first double-double of the season in the contest, with 12 points and 11 rebounds but, ultimately, it was Gia Flamini leading all scorers with 14 points. 

Alvernia proved to be a tough test of the Fords, who came into the game with a four-game winning streak. Alvernia gave up nothing easy as Haverford found it difficult to get some of the easy looks they have become accustomed to in recent contests. The teams traded baskets early on with Flamini scoring five of her points in the first quarter. With the entire starting lineup contributing with a made basket, the Fords held a 13-12 advantage at the end of the first. 

Haverford opened up the second with a quick five points from Robinson to take an 18-12 lead. However, Alvernia quickly answered back with makes from Taliyah Malone and Kelly Fetter, bringing the score back within one for the Golden Wolves. Haverford eventually gave up the lead with 2:41 left to play after an Alvernia 8-2 run. The Fords scored only ten points in the quarter with four of them coming from the free-throw line. Haverford faced a four-point deficit in the final minute of the half before a pair of Siena Emuobor free throws brought Haverford within two points at halftime. In the first half, the Fords were out-rebounded 24-22 and shot just 17 percent from the field even with attempting five more shots than their opponents in the stanza. 

With neither team able to build a sizable lead, the game looked determined to be decided on second-half execution. Flamini quickly tied the game with her seventh point of the contest but Alvernia's Tamia Wessels answered right back. Alvernia then built a few five-point leads before Landau drained a three to get the Fords going. An Erin Albright jumper at the 3:14 mark brought the Fords back within two before Eleanor Alix buried a three at 1:38 to give Haverford the lead going into the fourth quarter. 

Picking up action at the 5:54 mark of the fourth, Alvernia held a slight 40-39 lead before Landau lived at the free throw line for two minutes, knocking down four of her shots from the charity stripe to build a three-point Haverford lead. Robinson then converted a driving layup to build the lead to five. With stifling defense and hustle plays down the stretch, the Fords held Alvernia scoreless for over six minutes, essentially putting the game on ice. Alvernia did not score again until ten seconds were remaining in the game. 

Flamini added four rebounds and two assists to go along with her 14 points. Albright finished with five points, seven rebounds, and three steals. Haverford eventually won the rebounding battle 50-46 and won the game at the free throw line, making 15 of their 19 attempts. 

The Fords take a five-game winning streak into 2023 after a packed December schedule. The Fords resume action on January 4 with an away trip to Gettysburg. The contest is scheduled to tip off at 6 p.m.