By Maggie Tifft, Assistant Sports Editor
Women’s basketball found their first win of the season last Friday against Saint Francis in a last-second series of free throws, escaping with a 48–46 victory.
At halftime on Friday, the Griffs headed into the locker room ahead 24–17. However, a fourth quarter surge from the Red Flash tied the game at 44 with just under two minutes remaining.
Those final minutes saw back-and-forth shots at the line, with both teams initially making two free throws. With three seconds left on the clock, Franka Wittenberg drove to the basket and drew a foul, giving the junior a chance to win the game. Wittenberg made both, ensuring the victory for the Griffs, and giving her a team-high 10 points in the win.
When asked about the win, Wittenberg mentioned the accountability the coaching staff and her team puts on her. “Coach pushes me in my role and makes it super clear, and that clear communication is a key point. My teammates accepting me in the role I have pushes me to be my best,” continued Wittenberg.
This marks head coach Tiffany Swoffard’s first win as the Griffs head coach, and numerous players’ first win as a Griff as well. “I think it felt good to see a result from the work. The first win was nice because at least we know we can [play a whole game and win],” said Swoffard.
The team’s celebration extended into what would be their home opener just a few days later, against Little Three Rival St. Bonaventure. After the first half, the Griffs led 36–24, but the Bonnie’s inched their deficit to just one point after the third. The game stayed neck and neck, but with a missed last-minute three-pointer attempt by Mariam Sanogo, the Griffs fell 66–63 to St. Bonaventure.
With the loss, the team fell to 1–3 on the season, but success was found in Wittenberg who notched a season-high 12 points. Sophomore Shariah Gailes also recorded the team’s first double-double of the season with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
“It’s not just Franka,” said Swoffard when asked about the consistency her players have shown so far. “I think top to bottom, there's a tremendous amount of growth in a lot of our players. And so I'm excited to see what that looks like moving forward,” she continued.
The women’s basketball team will continue their four-game home streak with a battle against local rival the University of Buffalo on Friday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m. in the Koessler Athletic Center.