CECILIA ENGBERT
STAFF WRITER
Despite the energy of the crowded Finnegan Fieldhouse, Lady Barons basketball fell to the D’Youville Spartans, 74-62, at their last home game of the season Saturday at 4 p.m.
The Spartans scored first but senior guard Abby Baierl brought the Lady Barons up to speed with a 3-pointer followed by a layup. Baierl kept the energy high on the court throughout the quarter.
Sophomore forward Angela Starre scored with 4:20 left, bringing the Lady Barons ahead.
But the Spartans crossed the court faster than the Lady Barons and beat them to the basket, succeeding in a 6-0 run, which pushed them into the lead.
Freshman forward Estelle Leon made a jumper with only three seconds left in the quarter, bringing the Lady Barons to a four-point deficit at 17-13.
In the second quarter, the Spartans continued to move from offense to defense faster than the Lady Barons and made a 10-0 run.
A 3-pointer from Baierl and another from senior forward Rose Judge in the last minutes of the first half brought the Lady Barons 10 points behind the Spartans, 37-27.
During half time, the Lady Barons’ tennis team was acknowledged for earning the opportunity of representing the AMCC in the NCAA tournament in May.
The Lady Barons plunged into the second half with renewed energy. With less than two minutes left in the third quarter, Baierl had the crowd wild when she made a score, then stole the ball and sprinted down the court for a quick bucket.
3-pointers from Starre and Baierl in the last minute tied the end of the quarter, 50-50.
The fight continued into the fourth quarter. But the Lady Barons struggled offensively, causing senior guard Kaitlyn Sonneberger to foul out.
The score remained close until Baierl also fouled out, followed shortly after by senior guard Kelsey Scott-Avery. The Spartans took over the court, making a 9-0 run. Fouls called on the Lady Barons allowed the Spartans to rack up points, sealing their victory.
Senior forward Cianna Vaughn made a bucket in the last minute before the Spartans scored once more and took the game, 74-62.
Preceding their last home game on Kuzma Court, five seniors were honored by the coaches and spectators. All five were starters and hit the court aggressively: Scott-Avery, Baierl, Sonneberger, Vaughn and forward Rose Judge.
“This is the best senior class we’ve ever had,” said head coach Sean Kirk. “They set the tone for this program moving forward and it’s all them. … They really made huge strides this year and I am so proud of them.”
The Lady Barons’ next game is at Penn State Altoona on Feb. 17.