Clarion Athletics

ERIE, Pa. --- Facing off against a 2023 NCAA Division II semifinalist on Saturday afternoon, the Golden Eagle women's basketball team fell in a high-scoring clash at Gannon's Hammermill Center, losing by a score of 117-74.
 
The Golden Eagles continued to show their proficiency in filling the hoop through two games of the season, shooting just a shade under 50 percent from the field against the Pioneers by going 29-of-60 (.483) on field goal attempts. Most of that damage was done from close range, with 48 of Clarion's 74 points coming from the paint.
 
Sadre'a Rougeau was efficient from the field, leading the Golden Eagles with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting, while Hannah Wilkerson chipped in 11 points. It was the Clarion bench that provided a major spark as well, contributing 39 total points. Eleven of those came from returning upperclassman Heather Ansell and represented a career-high, while Autumn Taylor logged 10 points off the bench.
 
The Golden Eagles had a quick start, leading briefly in the first quarter after a couple early Rougeau buckets, but nine Clarion turnovers enabled Glenville State to jump out to a sizable lead. The Pioneers extended their advantage to double-digits just 4:30 into the action and kept it there throughout, leading 35-17 at the end of the first quarter.
 
At the seven-minute mark in the second quarter, Wilkerson hit a tough and-1 layup to cut the Pioneers lead under 20. Second quarter turnovers saw the Golden Eagles fall into a deeper deficit, though, as the Pioneers were able to score 22 points off turnovers in the quarter.  
 
Glenville State essentially maintained that exact pace through three quarters of play, building a 101-49 lead in just three quarters. The Golden Eagles finished the game on a high note though, outscoring the Pioneers 25-16 in the fourth quarter by shooting 9-16 from the field. They showed improved range in the final period as well, making three of their six three-point attempts. Ansell had eight of her 11 points in the quarter, hitting two threes and a pair of foul shots in a quick span. Freshman Abby Pynos made her Golden Eagle debut, scoring her first basket late in the final quarter off a Rougeau steal.
 
Clarion will return home for their 2023 home opener on Wednesday, November 15, when they host Roberts Wesleyan at Tippin Gym.