Katie Pitcher in action.
The Fredonia State Women's Basketball Team (2-0, 0-0 SUNYAC) used a strong third quarter to top Allegheny (1-2, 0-0 NCAC) on Saturday night. The Blue Devils scored 20 points coming out of the half and held the Gators to just six to secure the 60-51 victory.
The first quarter was a deadlock at 13-13. Katie Pitcher (Fulton) controlled the beginning of the game, scoring the first eight points. The senior contributed three layups and a jumper, with her fourth score putting the Blue Devils up 8-4.
The remaining points came from Renee Park (Union Springs) and Caitlin Snyder (Utica), while Pitcher added a free throw.
The home team controlled the second quarter with a 14-8 advantage, forcing a 27-21 lead to go into the half.
The third stanza was the turning point of the game for the visitors. Fredonia State started the second half on a 17-2 run to secure the lead for good.
During that stretch, the Blue Devils got all of their points from Pitcher, Park, and Lauren Mickley (Danville, Ohio). Fredonia State was strong on the boards during its run. The team accumulated eight defensive rebounds to stay in control on the other end of the court.
The fourth quarter was much like the first, with both teams even over the final ten minutes. The two sides each had 18 points to close out the game.
Holding a 41-33 lead, Fredonia State started the quarter on a 6-2 run to go up 47-35. Allegheny continued to apply pressure but could never get close enough to the visitors.
The Blue Devils held a 10-point advantage four times throughout the closing quarter.
Pitcher led Fredonia State with 27 points, matching a career high. The senior shot 12-19 from the floor, 1-1 from three, and 2-6 in free throws. Pitcher also added six rebounds.
Park was the next highest scorer with 14, which serves as a season-high for the sophomore, and added a team-high two blocks.
Isabella Weir (East Aurora) led the team with eight rebounds, seven coming on the defensive end.
Fredonia State returns to action on Wednesday, Nov. 17 when it hosts Penn State-Behrend at 5 p.m.