Mids rebound by beating Raiders

Sophomore Sophie Gatzounas scored 14 points and snared seven offensive rebounds to help Navy end a two-game losing streak with a 62-49 victory over host Colgate on Saturday afternoon in Patriot League action.

Freshman Kolbi Green added 10 points for Navy (7-7, 2-2 league).

The Mids controlled the majority of the action as they led the Raiders (6-8, 2-2 PL) for over 36 minutes at Cotterell Court. Eighteen of Navy's 22 made field goals were converted in the post, while its defense forced Colgate into 21 turnovers.

The Mids were led by a well-balanced attack that saw all five of their starters score eight or more points on Saturday.

"This was such a gritty win for us," head coach Stefanie Pemper said. "Our spirit was a little down after the last couple of games, losing at home to two of the best teams in the league. I was really impressed with the way we started and the way we competed. We did whatever it took to get a win."

Navy won the battle of the boards with a season-high 50 rebounds. Three Mids paced the squad in rebounds with freshman Jennifer Coleman notching a teamhigh of 13. Bianca Roach and Gatzounas recorded totals of eight and seven, respectively. Both totals were notable as Roach's eight were a career-high and all seven of Gatzounas' boards came on the offensive end.

"It's really tough to win on the road," said Pemper. "We didn't shoot all that well today so to come away with a win, that was really impressive. We made free throws and executed our gameplan really well. We put in some new stuff and I thought the team executed it well.''

Defensively, Navy forced Colgate into 21 turnovers on 13 steals. Roach was one of four Mids with multiple steals. The senior team captain recorded a team-high four steals.

"Bianca was a terrific leader in every regard today," Pemper said. "She was confident, she was aggressive and she was determined. Her effort was huge."

The Mids will be back in action at home on Wednesday, Jan. 16. Navy will host Holy Cross in a 7 p.m. Patriot League contest at Alumni Hall.