Nighthawks Win in Dramatic Fashion on Opening Night

The Newbury College women's basketball team defeated the visiting Falcons of Albertus Magnus College 61-59 in dramatic fashion this evening at Hellenic College.  

After going into halftime with a nine point lead, the Nighthawks maintained control for much of the second half until the Falcons made two free throws with 22 seconds left on the clock to go up 59-56. Down three, the Nighthawks pushed the ball up the floor but came up short on a layup, the ball was rebounded by Nighthawk First Year Jasmine Bishop (Waterville, ME/Waterville Senior) who was then fouled on the put back, sending her to the line to pull within one.  After connecting on the first, Bishop intentionally missed the second and fellow First Year Jalisa Fields (Bronx, NY/St. Michael Academy) pulled her biggest rebound of the night and scored a layup to tie the contest.  In the final seconds,  the Falcons managed to get an open look at a three pointer but would come up short and Nighthawks Junior Ashley Monteiro (Cambridge, MA/Cambridge Rindge & Latin) secured the rebound and was fouled in the process, sending her to the line for 2 with just 5 second s to play.  Monteiro would sink both and seal the victory for Newbury. 

The Nighthawks First Year Center Catherine O'Connell (Quincy, MA/North Quincy) finished the game with a game high 18 rebounds to go along with 16 points, while Monteiro finished with a stat line of 15 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists.  Fields would finish her first collegiate game with 16 points and 8 rebounds in an overall amazing debut. 

Despite the loss, the Falcons were led by Krystal Bryant (New Haven, CT/Career) who finished the night with a game high 17 points and 6 rebounds.  While teammate Shanilya Bush (New Haven, CT/Wilbur Cross) finished with 16 points and 4 assists.     

Newbury travels to rival Pine Manor College on Wednesday, November 18^th where they look to take down the Gators in a non-conference match-up beginning at 7:00 PM.