The women’s basketball team are on the road again Thursday, making the short trip to Maryland to take on the University of Maryland – Baltimore County Retrievers. It is the first time the teams are meeting since the Seawolves dropped a 77-58 decision to the Retrievers last February.
On the line is a chance to be in sole possession of fourth place in the conference ranks. Both teams bring a 3-4 America East Conference record into Thursday evening’s date, sitting in a three-way tie with New Hampshire to be fourth-best in a group of nine.
The plan now is to continue to float amidst the top of the conference ranks, according to junior forward Kirsten Jeter (Elmont, NY).
“My mindset going into the UMBC game is to fight to stay at the top of the battle system, rather than fall to the bottom,” said the team captain.
Stony Brook is also looking to bounce back after a tough loss to the Vermont Catamounts Saturday afternoon. Despite Jeter’s stat sheet stuffing 15 points, 8 boards and 4 steals, the Seawolves could not overcome their lack of offensive rhythm and the Catamounts’ hot three point shooting.
While the road team struggled to put points on the scoreboard, Vermont built a comfortable double digit lead and secured it by shooting 57 percent from long range in the second half. At the final horn, Stony Brook found itself in the loss column for the 14th time this season, falling 67-45.
“At times we played really well defensively. We just couldn’t get our offense going today,” said head coach Michelle Cherry, “I liked the effort we put in, we just had too many turnovers and not enough shots.”
Going into UMBC, the Seawolves will be sure to have a few more fans in the stands compared to other road games. That is because four Seawolves players are from the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area, and will have family and friends in attendance.
One of them, sophomore center Destiny Jacobs (Glen Burnie, MD) says that the support from the crowd will definitely influence her play.
“It makes me more nervous, but at the same time it makes me want to score every time I get the ball,” she said with a laugh.
Stony Brook will have many opportunities to put the ball in the basket, being that the Retrievers are last in the conference in scoring defense, giving up 67 points a game.
With enough points on the scoreboard, and thestingy defense they have shown all season, the Seawolves could return home with a win.
