HAVERFORD, Pa. — The Haverford College women's basketball team (3-1) earned a 52–44 win over Neumann (1-3) on Tuesday evening in non-conference play at Calvin J. Gooding '84 Arena. The Fords led wire-to-wire behind a strong defensive effort that featured 11 steals, six blocks, and a 33–16 advantage on defensive rebounds. Despite a late push from the Knights, Haverford's early momentum proved decisive.
Haverford opened the game with a fast start, as Brianna Feifer finished a layup off a feed from Bri Heafey just 14 seconds into the contest. Audrey Jakway and Caroline Orza added early baskets to help build a 7–3 lead. Neumann answered with a three-pointer from Emily DuPont, but the Fords regained control with a Shae Mercer jumper and a Feifer three with 1:41 remaining. Feifer then knocked down two free throws with just a few seconds left, before Jess Aponik sank a half-court buzzer-beater to bring the host's lead down to 15-8 at the end of the first stanza. Defensively, the Fords forced five turnovers and held Neumann to 3-for-17 shooting.
The Fords extended their lead in the second quarter by continuing to capitalize on defensive pressure. Mercer opened the frame with a fast-break jumper before Orza connected on a midrange shot to widen the margin. Jakway delivered on both ends with a block before converting a layup to make it 26–12 with 6:17 remaining. Feifer drained her second three of the night with 5:11 to play, capping a 13–4 run. Despite late points from Neumann, including a jumper by Elaina Guerzon and two free throws by DuPont, Haverford entered halftime with a commanding 28–14 lead. The Fords' defense limited Neumann to 2-for-15 shooting in the quarter and forced four turnovers.
Haverford continued its strong play in the third quarter, outscoring Neumann 20–16. Orza provided an early spark with a transition layup and later added a tip-in off an offensive rebound. Feifer contributed six points in the frame, including a three-pointer and a midrange jumper, while Mercer and Jakway supplied key defensive stops, aided by a Heafey three-pointer at 5:44. DuPont hit two threes for Neumann to keep the Knights within reach , including one with 18 seconds left for her 1,000th career point, but the Fords maintained control and carried a 48–30 lead into the fourth quarter.
Neumann mounted a late charge in the final frame, using a 14–4 scoring edge to trim the deficit. DuPont led the push with a pair of free throws early in the quarter and a three-pointer at the 4:41 mark. The Knights added baskets from Jenna Aponik and Hannah Cappelletti, taking advantage of Haverford's cold shooting as the Fords went 0-for-11 from the field in the fourth. Feifer provided critical free throws at 3:21 to steady the lead, and Mercer sealed the victory with two more from the line in the final 21 seconds.
Feifer paced Haverford with 18 points, three steals, and three made threes. Orza recorded her third straight double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Mercer added 10 points, six rebounds, and four steals, while Jakway posted nine points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks.
DuPont led all scorers with 22 points and 15 rebounds for Neumann, shooting 4-for-7 from three and a perfect 6-for-6 at the line. Lindsay Holden added four points, four rebounds, and three steals, while Jess Aponik contributed five points and eight rebounds.
Haverford returns to action on Tuesday, Nov. 25, hosting Wilson at 8 p.m. inside Gooding '84 Arena.
