ROCHESTER, NY – Clarion improved to 5–0 with an 84–67 road victory at Roberts Wesleyan on Wednesday evening, using a dominant second half to pull away in the nonconference matchup.
Clarion opened the first quarter with strong energy, jumping out to a 10–1 lead behind early baskets from
Niah Smedley,
Madison Palek, and
Arianna Seitz.
Zoe Guice added a transition finish as the Golden Eagles kept pressure on the Redhawks, but Roberts Wesleyan responded midway through the frame to chip away at the advantage. The teams traded scores down the stretch before a late Clarion free throw leveled the game at 15–15 after one.
The second quarter featured heavy defensive pressure on both sides, with Clarion generating transition looks off steals from Guice and Zoé Bayer.
Aundraya Neavins provided a lift with a layup and a three-pointer, helping keep Clarion within reach as the half progressed. Despite Clarion's active hands and ability to run off turnovers, Roberts Wesleyan closed the period strong, and the teams entered the locker room tied 27–27.
Clarion seized control in the third quarter, erupting for 30 points to break the game open. Bayer and Guice sparked the run by capitalizing on backcourt turnovers and finishing in transition, while
Alyssa Terza controlled the glass to create second-chance opportunities. Bayer scored on consecutive drives as the Golden Eagles stretched the lead into double digits, and Clarion's pressure defense held the Redhawks to 16 points in the frame, taking a 57–43 advantage into the fourth.
The Golden Eagles carried their momentum into the final quarter, with Guice attacking off the dribble for multiple scores and Seitz adding key baskets to maintain the lead. Clarion's bench contributed valuable minutes on the boards, and the defense continued to disrupt passing lanes, preventing any sustained Roberts Wesleyan push. Playing with rhythm on both ends, Clarion closed out the game comfortably to secure its fifth straight win.
Bayer led Clarion with 22 points, nine steals, six assists, and two blocks, while Guice added 20 points and six assists. Terza totaled a game-high 15 rebounds, Seitz scored 12, and the Golden Eagles forced 31 turnovers, converting them into 29 points.
Clarion returns to action this Saturday, December 6, traveling to Millersville for a 1 p.m. tip.
