New York, NY- The Mount Saint Mary College Knights (5-3, 4-1 Skyline) picked up a hard-fought 76-59 victory against Yeshiva University (5-8, 4-6 Skyline) in a defensive slugfest at Nat Holman Gymnasium on Friday night. While the win might not have been the prettiest, Head Coach Marion Dietz saw plenty of positives to build upon, highlighting, "We struggled to find a flow defensively, but five players in double figures and strong contributions from everyone showcase our depth and potential."

The battle was a testament to teamwork, with five Knights reaching double-digit scoring figures. Lauren Petrie (15 points, 2 steals) spearheaded the attack, knocking down clutch free throws and weaving through the Yeshiva defense. Ciarra Quinn (13 points, 3 assists) provided offensive spark from beyond the arc, while Casey Love (10 points, 5 rebounds) and Charlotte Twohig (6 points, 1 block) contributed hustle and grit.

Even the bench proved potent, with Sara Cashin (17 points, 4 rebounds) erupting for a team-high scoring performance off the pine. Brianna Guglielmo (13 points, 3 blocks) added valuable interior presence, while Angelina Donato (2 points, 3 rebounds) chipped in crucial rebounds and hustle plays.

"We still have much to work on and learn," emphasized Coach Dietz, "but putting five players in double figures and getting major contributions from everyone shows we're putting the pieces together."

While the offense found its rhythm in spurts, it was the Knights' defense that ultimately secured the victory. They stifled Yeshiva's top scorers, limiting Daniela Bessler (28 points) and Shai Rahamim (11 points) to below their usual averages. The relentless pressure forced turnovers and disrupted any offensive flow for the Maccabees.

Despite the defensive intensity, the game remained tight throughout, with both teams trading leads in the first half. However, the Knights found their stride in the third quarter, outscoring Yeshiva 17-16 to extend their lead. They maintained their composure down the stretch, securing the win and moving one step closer to the top of the Skyline Conference standings.

The Knights have a quick turnaround as they return to action this Friday, December 22nd, at 5:00 PM for a home matchup against the University of Scranton. Look for them to build on their defensive play and teamwork to extend their winning streak on their home court.