COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. — The Haverford College women's basketball team (9-6, 1-4 CC) fell to the Ursinus Bears (10-5, 4-1 CC), 83-73, at Helfferich Hall on Tuesday afternoon. The Fords' effort was highlighted by a perfect 14-for-14 performance from the free-throw line, a strong defensive showing with seven blocks and eight steals, and a standout performance from Audrey Jakway, who scored a game-high 33 points. Ursinus capitalized on its rebounding advantage, securing 46 total boards and converting 20 second-chance points to earn the victory.
The first quarter began with Ursinus taking an early lead, as Ava Possenti scored a layup just 48 seconds into play. Erin Glanz extended the advantage to 5-0 with a three-pointer at the 8:38 mark. Haverford responded with a three-pointer from Caroline Orza at 8:10 to cut the deficit to 5-3. The teams traded baskets until a triple from Georgia Koff-Gilmore, followed by a three-pointer from Jakway at 3:42, gave Haverford a 15-10 lead. Jakway continued her strong start with another shot from beyond the arc at 1:59, pushing the Fords' lead to 22-13. Ursinus closed the quarter on a 7-0 run, highlighted by two layups from Emma Afflerbach and a three-pointer from Colleen Blackman, as Haverford held a slim 22-20 advantage at the end of the opening period.
The Fords capitalized on fast-break opportunities in the first quarter, scoring 10 points in transition. Haverford's defense was also pivotal, forcing six turnovers, including five steals, which limited Ursinus' momentum. Both teams were efficient from three-point range, each connecting on four triples, while the Scarlet and Black's perfect four-for-four performance at the free-throw line helped maintain their narrow lead.
Haverford struck quickly in the second quarter, as Orza connected on a fast-break three-pointer at 8:14 to extend the lead to 27-22. Ursinus responded with an 8-3 run, capped by a layup from Anna Chimento at 5:33 to knot the score at 30-30. The Fords regained control late in the half, as Orza scored four quick points, followed by two free throws from Jakway. A Bri Heafey three pushed Haverford's lead to 39-32 before Blackman answered with a triple of her own to make it 39-35. The half concluded with Brianna Feifer sinking two free throws at 0:52, giving Haverford a 41-35 lead heading into halftime.
The Scarlet and Black outscored Ursinus 19-15 in the second quarter, fueled by efficient shooting and disciplined defense. Haverford converted three of six attempts from beyond the arc and remained perfect at the free-throw line, making all six attempts, while Ursinus did not attempt a free throw in the period. Rebounding also proved key, as the Fords secured 12 boards, including 10 defensive rebounds, limiting second-chance opportunities for the Bears.
Jakway opened the third quarter with a jumper at 9:13, extending Haverford's lead to 43-35. Ursinus answered behind Ruth O'Keeffe, who led a 7-3 run to cut the deficit to 46-42 at the 7:18 mark. An O'Keeffe layup later tied the game at 46-46 before Madison Smith knocked down free throws at 4:33 to give Ursinus a 48-46 advantage. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, and a late tip-in by Jakway with one second remaining pulled Haverford within two, trailing 56-54 at the end of the third quarter.
Ursinus gained momentum in the third period by capitalizing on offensive rebounds, scoring 11 second-chance points. The Fords were outscored 21-13 and outrebounded 17-6 in the quarter. Despite recording three steals and two blocks, Haverford trailed 56-54 heading into the final 10 minutes.
Both teams came out strong in the fourth quarter, as Jakway drilled a three-pointer to briefly give Haverford a 61-60 lead at the 7:00 mark. Jakway and Orza combined for the next four points, pushing the Fords ahead 65-60 with 5:48 remaining. Ursinus responded with an 8-2 run, using balanced scoring from four different players to regain a 68-67 lead with 3:09 left. Despite Jakway continuing to score, a Delaney McCaffrey three-pointer extended the Bears' lead to 75-69 with 1:40 remaining. Strong free-throw shooting down the stretch allowed Ursinus to close out the 83-73 victory.
Ursinus sealed the win at the free-throw line in the fourth quarter, converting 16-of-18 attempts. Despite Haverford's seven field goals in the final frame and a three-point play from Jakway at the 7:00 mark, 11 personal fouls by the Fords provided Ursinus with crucial scoring opportunities. The Bears also recorded five steals in the quarter, outscoring Haverford 27-19.
Jakway led all scorers with 33 points, hitting a career-high 5-of-7 from three-point range while adding nine rebounds and three steals. Orza finished with 20 points on 6-of-15 shooting, went a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line, and grabbed seven rebounds. Alyssa Aslam contributed defensively, recording two blocks.
Smith paced Ursinus with 15 points, going 9-for-11 from the free-throw line, while adding seven rebounds and two steals. Possenti finished with 12 points, four steals, and five assists. Glanz added 11 points on 3-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc, along with three assists, while O'Keeffe chipped in 11 points and five rebounds.
Haverford returns home to face Dickinson on Saturday, Jan. 17. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Gooding '84 Arena in Haverford, Pa.
