In a gripping Northeast Conference (NEC) women’s basketball matchup, Stonehill College secured a dramatic 77-75 double-overtime victory over Chicago State University. Key contributions from Kylie Swider and Gabrielle Hayward powered the Skyhawks to their third straight NEC win, showcasing resilience and clutch performances.
Swider’s Clutch Performance
Postgrad Kylie Swider emerged as the game’s hero, scoring ten of her career-high 24 points during the overtime periods. Swider’s pivotal moments included a buzzer-beater to force a second overtime and the game-winning basket with just 2.5 seconds left in double-overtime. Her performance was complemented by a double-double, tallying 16 rebounds and reinforcing her presence under the basket.
Hayward’s Consistency
Gabrielle Hayward continued her impressive form, posting a game-high 28 points, marking her second consecutive 20-point game. Her offensive surge in the second half was instrumental, as she netted 22 points after halftime, including a crucial 11-point third quarter.
Key Team Contribution
Sophomore Brooke Paquette facilitated the offense with a career-best ten assists, while senior Maureen Stapleton added eight rebounds and three assists. Freshman Sydney McLaughlin, making her first career start, contributed with three points, three rebounds, and three assists.
Chicago State’s Effort
Despite the loss, Chicago State showcased resilience, led by Josie Hill’s 20 points and Aiyanna Culver’s 16 points. The Cougars mounted a significant comeback in regulation and led by five points in the first overtime, but Swider’s late-game heroics shifted the momentum in favor of the Skyhawks.
Historical Context
The victory marked Stonehill’s first overtime win at the NCAA Division I level and the 300th conference win for head coach Trisha Brown. The Skyhawks, now 7-9 overall and 3-0 in NEC play, aim to build on their success as they approach a significant milestone of 1,000 program wins.
Next Steps
Stonehill will visit LIU for their first NEC road game, while Chicago State prepares for a matchup against Le Moyne College. Fans can follow the Skyhawks’ progress and purchase tickets for upcoming games through Stonehill’s official platforms.
This thrilling encounter not only highlighted individual brilliance but also underscored Stonehill’s tenacity and teamwork, setting a strong foundation for their ongoing season.
