Bethlehem, PA - January 22, 2025: The Lehigh University women’s basketball team overcame some turnovers and missed free throws to edge American University Wednesday night at Stabler Arena 61-55. The win for Lehigh improved their overall record to 15-4 and their Patriot League record to 6-1.
Lehigh started strong, outscoring American in the first period 21-10, as it appeared the Mountain Hawks would roll to their 15th victory. American, however, had other thoughts and fought back. The Eagles won the two middle periods 16-10 and 22-16, taking the lead at times or keeping it close.
American definitely had the opportunity to win this game but some errant shots and turnovers proved to be the difference. Lehigh would win it in the fourth period by outscoring the Eagles 14-7 while American committed two very costly turnovers on inbound passes with just a minute to play. The mistakes allowed Lehigh to go on a 6-0 run with about two minutes left and the scored tied at 55.
"We've got to let players make plays," said head coach Addie Micir. Maddie Albrecht, Gracyn Lovette, and Jessie Ozzauto provided big sparks, especially Jessie on the defensive end. We knew American was going to be a tough team, they play really hard. They made it really tough, and I love that our experienced players found a way to make plays.”
Both teams had some trouble with turnovers and missed free throws. Lehigh had 16 turnovers while American had 26. Lehigh was 12 for 20 from the line while American was 4 for 7. Lehigh shot 33.9% from the field and 27.3% from 3-point land. American shot 43% from the field and 31% from 3-point land.
"We have to be sharper, and we have to be sharper to start," Micir said. "American knocked us off our game a little bit. It took us a little bit to settle in. We know we're a team that can make plays down the stretch, so I love that we have that belief, but let's do it earlier.”
Lehigh’s Maddie Albrecht (22) led all players with 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals. Gracyn Lovette (23) came off the bench to spark Lehigh with 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocked shots, and 3 steals.
On the American side, Laura Nogues (4) led her team with 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. Cecilia Kay and Bailey Garbee added 14 and 12 points respectively. American as a team out-rebounded Lehigh 39 to 37.
Allentown Central Catholic High School (PA) standout Molly Driscoll (5) returned to the area for her first game back home as a collegian. She played 17 minutes, had 2 points and 3 rebounds.
The Lehigh women and men host their rival, Lafayette College, Saturday 1/25, at Stabler Arena, for double-header action. The women’s game starts at 4:30 while the men’s game will start at 7pm.
