GETTYSBURG, PA (March 7, 2025) -- The Tufts University women's basketball team saw their season come to an end in a tough 61-52 loss to Western New England University in the opening round of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament at Bream Gymnasium at Gettysburg College on Friday.
Tufts came out firing in the first quarter, establishing an early 6-0 lead behind key free throws and an aggressive defensive presence.
Monet Witherspoon and
Callie O'Brien set the tone early, attacking the rim and converting from the line. The Jumbos held Western New England to just 14 points in the first frame while putting up 20 of their own, shooting an efficient 43.8% from the field.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the second quarter as Tufts' offense went cold. The Jumbos managed just five points in the period, hitting only one of their 16 field goal attempts. Western New England took full advantage, outscoring Tufts 19-5 and heading into halftime with a 33-25 lead. Nora Young and Emma Kahn fueled the Golden Bears' surge, capitalizing on Tufts' missed opportunities and turnovers.
Tufts attempted to claw back in the third quarter with a more balanced attack.
Hannah Kelly provided a spark off the bench, drilling a key three-pointer to bring the Jumbos within striking distance.
Stella Galanes also stepped up, hitting from deep and cutting the deficit to just three at one point. However, Western New England answered each time, maintaining their lead behind strong rebounding and timely shooting.
Despite their best efforts in the fourth quarter, Tufts couldn't overcome their cold shooting, finishing just 3-of-19 from the field in the final frame. The Golden Bears sealed the game at the free-throw line, hitting 12 of 25 attempts in the fourth quarter to fend off any comeback attempts.
Gonzalez finished with 13 points, six rebounds and two steals in her final game in the brown and blue. Galanes added nine points Friday evening, and Witherspoon tallied nine points, seven rebounds and three steals. Junior
Annie Aspesi also totaled six points and four rebounds for the Jumbos, who shot 25.8 percent for game from the field. Tufts did shoot well from the line, going 17-of-20 (85.0 percent).
WNE was led by the 13 points and 10 rebounds from Nora Young, while Caitlyn Hunt came off the bench to add a game-high 14 points.
Tufts concludes the season with a 15-11 record, showing resilience throughout the campaign. The Jumbos were making their 15th appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
--JUMBOS--
