The women’s basketball team stalled in the first half at Bucknell on Saturday, scoring just 12 points in the opening two quarters on the way to a 66-42 defeat. The Greyhounds dropped to 3-8 in the Patriot League and 6-16 overall. 

Despite the team’s offensive struggles, Stephanie Karcz ’20 recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Karcz, the Division I leader in steals per game, matched her single-season record with her 123rd steal. However, it was her only steal of the contest.

Emily McAteer ’23 grabbed 10 rebounds in her first start, while graduate student Ashley Hunter and Bri Rozzi ‘23 each contributed seven points.

The Bison jumped out to a commanding 17-4 lead in the first quarter, which included 12 points on four three-pointers from Ally Johnson. Loyola shot 17.9 percent on field goals in the opening frame. Meanwhile, Bucknell shot an accurate 46.6 percent from the field, leading to a 30-12 halftime advantage.

Ellie Mack took over for Bucknell in the second half, scoring 12 of her 18 points in the final 20 minutes. The Greyhounds vastly improved their shooting percentage to 46.2%, but the deficit was too great to overcome. They outscored the Bison 17-12 in the fourth quarter, but still lost 66-42. 

Loyola will look to bounce back when they return to Reitz Arena this Wednesday for a midweek match-up with American University. Tip-off is at 6 p.m.

Featured Image Courtesy of Loyola Athletics.