WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - The Monmouth University women's basketball team defeated Binghamton University, 60-51 on Friday in the consolation game of the Second Annual Hawk Holiday Classic presented by Staybridge Suites of Eatontown. The Hawks improve to 9-3 on the season, while the Bearcats fall to 6-6 with the loss.
The win marked a milestone for Monmouth head coach Stephanie V. Gaitley, who recorded her 450th triumph as a Division I head coach. Gaitley, in her 25th season as a head coach and her third at Monmouth, is now 450-263 overall and 43-30 with the Hawks.
"Winning a lot of games means you're getting old and you have had a lot of good players," said Gaitley. "I want to thank all of our current players and all my former players and assistants for being part of this milestone. You're only as good as those you surround yourself with."
The Hawks were paced against the Bearcats by Alysha Womack's (Springfield, Pa. /Cardinal O'Hara) 19 points and seven rebounds. She connected on 8-of-14 field goals, including 3-of-6 from three-point range. Junior Alexis Canady (Forestville, Md. /Bishop McNamara), who was named to the All-Tournament Team, recorded 14 points and five assists, while Erin Rooney (Christchurch, N.Z. /Marian College) contributed 10 points, six rebounds and four assists.
MU, which led by as many as 15 points early in the second half, held a 29-18 lead at the half. The Hawks converted 7-of-16 three-pointers in the first half en route to hitting 10-of-25 (40.0%) for the game.
The Hawks forced 21 BU turnovers, converting them into 15 points, and outrebounded their visitor's from upstate New York, 42-35.
Gabby Singer (Harrisburg, Pa. /Central Dauphin) contributed eight points (2-of-5 3PT) off the bench for the Hawks, who wrapped up nonconference play with the win.
Binghamton was led by all-tournament team member Viive Rebane, who recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Andrea Holmes and Jasbriell Swain each added 12 points apiece for the Bearcats, who shot 34.7% for the contest.
Monmouth returns to action on Wednesday when it resumes Northeast Conference play by hosting Bryant at 7:00 pm.
