HAVERFORD, Pa. - The Haverford College women's basketball team (3-5, 1-4 CC) faced a setback against visiting Washington College (6-3, 3-2 CC) on Saturday afternoon, losing the Centennial Conference contest by a final score of 44-27. The Shorewomen outscored the Fords 25-6 in the last 20 minutes, reversing a 21-19 halftime deficit.
Haverford displayed strength from the start, securing an early 9-4 lead with a Shae Mercer three-pointer. Although Washington College narrowed the gap to 9-8, Mercer's strong performance continued with a jumper, and Brianna Feifer added a layup a minute later. Siena Emuobor contributed with a score, and Haverford maintained a four-point lead at 16-12 with under six minutes left in the first half.
The defensive struggle persisted despite a quick 4-0 Shorewomen run, temporarily tying the score at 16-16 after Serena Pluta's conversion from the field. Gia Flamini scored her first points with 3:30 remaining, and free throws from Emuobor and Mercer put the Fords up by four with 1:13 to play. Kaitlyn Boggs connected on a layup in the final minute, sending the teams to halftime with Haverford clinging to a two-point advantage.
Audrey Jakway stood out in a low-scoring third quarter, giving Haverford a 25-23 lead with 2:22 left. Washington College responded with the last six points of the quarter, taking the lead at 27-25 after a Peyton Burger bucket with less than a minute remaining in the penultimate frame.
Haverford struggled to break out of the offensive doldrums in the fourth quarter, as Washington College outscored them 15-2 over the last 10 minutes. A 10-0 run to start the frame was interrupted by an Abby Ryan jumper, but Washington College's defense held strong and the visitors pounced on offensive opportunities, with a 21-2 cumulative run since Jakway's third-quarter score, which gave Haverford its last lead.
Mercer led the Fords with nine points, while Erin Albright was a force in the paint with seven rebounds and two assists. Karry Kelliher led the visitors with 14 points, and Boggs contributed eight boards and three blocks in a solid effort.
Although Haverford forced the Shorewomen into 26 turnovers, the visitors held a significant advantage on the glass with a 47-27 edge. This win marked Washington College's first victory over the Fords at home in the last 10 meetings.
The Fords will now break for finals week and the winter holidays before regrouping and heading to the Isla del Encanto for the Puerto Rico Clasico. The stint in Puerto Rico features marquee matchups at the Coliseo Mario Morales in Guaynabo. Haverford will take on Carroll (Wis.) on Friday, December 29, at 2 p.m. before dueling with No. 22 Mary Washington on Saturday, December 30, at noon.