DANVILLE, Ky. – The Webster University women's basketball team battled throughout a tightly contested nonconference matchup Friday evening but came up just short against Centre College, falling 71-67 at Alumni Gymnasium. The loss moved the Gorloks to 1-2 on the season, while Centre improved to 3-0.
Webster shot 40.6 percent (26-for-64) from the field and connected on seven three-pointers while recording 14 assists and 14 steals. The Gorloks forced 18 Centre turnovers and capitalized with 32 points off turnovers, while holding a 34-32 advantage in points in the paint.
The Gorloks got off to a strong start in the opening quarter, overcoming an early deficit with a 9-0 run to close the period and take an 18-13 advantage. Webster carried that momentum into the second quarter, as Rylee Webb opened the period with a three-pointer before Akaela Caquelin connected from beyond the arc to extend the lead to 24-15. Centre responded with a 12-0 run later in the quarter to take a 33-29 advantage, but Webster battled back behind five consecutive points from Webb to regain the lead. A late basket from Centre gave the Colonels a narrow 35-34 advantage heading into halftime.
The two teams continued to exchange baskets throughout the third quarter, with neither side able to establish a comfortable advantage. Webster built a six-point lead at 51-45 following a basket from Daijah Jones with 4:19 remaining, but Centre answered with eight consecutive points to move back in front. Sydney Esperanza scored the final three points of the period to give the Gorloks a 54-53 lead entering the fourth quarter.
Centre opened the final period with six unanswered points to take a 59-54 lead, but Webster responded with an 8-0 run of its own. Webb scored five points during the stretch before Kaimyla Nolen connected on a three-pointer to put the Gorloks ahead 62-59 with 6:20 remaining. Webster extended its advantage to 64-61 on a basket from Esperanza, but the Colonels answered with six consecutive points to regain control at 67-64.
The Gorloks continued to battle down the stretch, as Nolen converted a layup before Jones knocked down a free throw to even the score at 67-67 with 1:20 remaining. Centre responded by converting four free throws over the final 49 seconds, while Webster was unable to find the basket on its final possessions, allowing the Colonels to secure the 71-67 victory.
Webb led the Gorloks with a game-high 27 points, shooting 9-for-16 from the field and 4-for-7 from three-point range while adding four rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Esperanza followed with 11 points and a team-high nine rebounds, including five offensive boards, while Nolen contributed nine points and two steals. Caquelin finished with eight points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Jones added six points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
Centre finished the contest shooting 44.1 percent (26-for-59) from the field and held a 38-34 advantage on the glass. Ryleigh Campbell and Isabelle Combs led the Colonels with 15 points apiece.
Webster will return to action on Tuesday, November 17, when it hosts Illinois College in a nonconference matchup at Grant Gymnasium. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
