With two wins and a narrow three-point loss in its last three games, the women’s basketball team seems to have found its stride. Last Sunday, the Bonnies defeated Rhode Island 73-59, and they did so by playing the team-orientated basketball that has been present in their last three games.
During its seven-game losing streak, which ended Jan. 17, St. Bonaventure depended heavily on junior forward Katie Healy. In the final game of the streak, Healy scored a season-high 25 points, but the team still lost. Since that game, Healy has not been the team’s highest scorer in any game.
Instead, the scoring has been spread among the rest of the team, and the offense has thrived. The Bonnies’ last two victories were their highest scoring games since Dec. 17.
Sunday, freshman guard Mariah Ruff led the way for the Bonnies, having a breakout game with 25 points. She was especially strong from outside, connecting on seven out of 10 three-point shots. Ruff found space and was ready to shoot when she got the ball.
Passing was a point of emphasis in Sunday’s game, and the Bonnies moved the ball well. This led to easier shots and more points. Because of their passing, the Bonnies shot over 53 percent from the field. Junior guard Nyla Rueter controlled the ball for the Bonnies, recording six of the team’s 19 assists and finding her open teammates.
“I was getting wide-open shots,” Ruff said. “Emily [Michael] and Nyla [Rueter] were creating for me, and Katie [Healy] would kick it back out.”
Junior guard Emily Michael, who also played a large role in the win with a season-high 11 points, agreed with Ruff.
“My teammates were finding me really well,” Michael said.
While playing Rhode Island, Michael recorded her 300th career point. However, she does not view herself as a scorer. Instead, she looks to contribute in any way she can.
“I know what my teammates need from me,” Michael said. “[I know] what is going to make my team successful.”
For St. Bonaventure, the team’s recent success has led to more confidence, and Coach Jim Crowley has noticed a shift in the way his team is playing.
“For the first time, consistently, we’re playing for one another,” Crowley said. “We’re making the extra pass, we’re covering for each other and we’re cheering for one another. It’s not easy to compete when you’ve been struggling, and we competed really hard today.”
Ruff, who is still adapting to her first year of collegiate basketball, agreed with Crowley, saying, “I think we’re getting going now.”
The road ahead does not get any easier for the Bonnies. Their next game is Sunday at 2 p.m. on the road against George Washington.
The Colonials are ranked number 20 in the country, sit atop the Atlantic 10 standings and are undefeated in conference play. Since losing on Nov. 22, George Washington has won 20 games in a row.
For the Bonnies to leave the nation’s capital with a win, they will need to play a fourth consecutive team-oriented game as they try keep momentum while the conference schedule continues to unfold.
Kibbeei14@bonaventure.edu
