CHANDLER, Ariz. – The University of Providence women's basketball team cruised out to a hot start and never looked back on Tuesday, defeating Benedictine-Mesa 65-40 in the team's second game of the Cactus Classic.
The game also served as a milestone for
Parker Esary and
Emilee Maldonado, who achieved their 81
st career win as an Argo, the most in program history. The duo passed current assistant coach
Stephanie McDonagh, who had amassed 80.
"It's an incredible accomplishment," head coach
Bill Himmelberg. "They have meant so much to our program over the span of their careers. I'm really proud and happy for them."
The Argos (12-3, 1-1) came to play from the tip, holding the Redhawks (7-4, 0-0) to just three points in the first quarter. The Redhawks got hot in the second, but a late run kept them at bay as the team entered the break up 30-18. The Argos outpaced the Hawks 20-10 in the third quarter to put the game out of reach.
"I'm pleased that we came out and executed what we talked about," Himmelberg said. "We need to move the ball a little bit better at times but we're still a work in progress. I'm pleased with the win."
Brooklyn Harn led the team in scoring, recording 18 points for the squad, hitting four three-pointers on the day.
Reed Hazard filled the stat sheet, recording 16 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Parker Esary finished with 11 points and six rebounds. Anna Gorman led the Redhawks with 11 points while Grace Russell notched 11.
The team will conclude their trip in Arizona tomorrow with an anticipated matchup against #17 Dakota State. The Trojans (11-5, 1-0)
eliminated the Argos from the NAIA National Tournament last season. The game will tip off Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. MTN and Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
"We're going to have to take care of the ball," Himmelberg said. "They are a really good team. We just want to play well, execute our game plan and make some outside shots. We're really going to have to take care of the basketball. They're going to press and pressure us. We have to take care of it. That's going to be important."