Box Score SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Going into today's game, the Coast Guard women's basketball team had lost nine consecutive matchups with Springfield College, a streak dating back to 2016. That streak came to an end tonight. The Bears narrowly squeaked out a 51-48 victory in Blake Arena to hand Springfield their first NEWMAC loss of the season. With the loss, the Pride move to 12-4(1-1 NEWMAC). Their next game is at home on Saturday vs Wellesley at 3pm.

In a gutsy game all around, Coast Guard was victorious thanks to an outstanding defense effort, particularly in the 2nd half. As a team they caused 11 turnovers and held Springfield to just 32% from the field (20-62) and 18% from beyond the arc (4-22). 

The Bears stellar defense was led by dominating performance on the glass by Kelly Hagerty. Hagerty came down with a game leading 16 boards. The junior from Emerald Isle North Carolina set career highs in total rebounds (16), defensive rebounds (13), and minutes played (35). She also contributed six points and a clutch 4th quarter steal to the Bears victorious effort. Fellow junior Glory Blethen came down with six rebounds and two blocks to add to the dominating presence in the middle for Coast Guard.

CGA was led in scoring by Julia Mann. Mann scored 14 points, none bigger than a clutch and 1 at 4:07 in the 4th quarter to extend the team lead to double digits and cap off an 11-0 Coast Guard run to begin the quarter. Mann also added eight rebounds and two assists.

After going down 10 points in the 4th quarter, Springfield College was nearly able to complete an improbable comeback but Coast Guard beared down and held on for victory. The win improves them to 13-3 (2-0 NEWMAC). The Bears currently sit in 2nd place in the conference and will look to move to 3-0 in the NEWMAC Saturday at home at 1:00pm vs fellow 2-0 NEWMAC school Emerson College.