Muskingum MUSK 4-11,2-6 OAC

John Carroll JCU 13-3,7-1 OAC

Muskingum MUSK

4-11,2-6 OAC

Final

Jan. 18, 2025

John Carroll JCU

13-3,7-1 OAC

Score By Periods
Team	1	2	3	4	F
Muskingum MUSK	11	6	13	18	48
John Carroll JCU	23	17	16	18	74

Summary
Box Score

Sean Finucane

Game Recap: Women's Basketball | 1/18/2025 3:26:00 PM | Joe Ginley '16, SID

On a Festive Alumnae Day, Women's Basketball Fires Past Muskingum

Carmen Heuker and the Blue Streaks did well driving to the lane

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS – It was a festive day at the Tony DeCarlo Varsity Center for John Carroll Women's Basketball.

The Blue Streaks celebrated Alumnae Day, honoring the late Sue Zidanic '95, '00G before the game and welcoming Katie (Cervenik) McMahon '01 as the guest coach. And with the Shaker Heights Girl Scouts in attendance, JCU celebrated Taylor Swift Day.

A late run in the first quarter propelled John Carroll to a one-sided victory over Muskingum University, 74-48, with a great crowd in attendance.

"Games are always more important when there's a meaning behind it. Any OAC matchup is big, but playing for something bigger than ourselves is always more fun, and winning feels that much better," said Head Coach Beth Andrews '15. "It's important for all my girls to understand that life is short and to play for something bigger than themselves. That's what we did today."

Fighting Muskies started quickly with a 5-0 run in the opening 90 seconds. While the visitors did hit a deep triple a couple minutes later, John Carroll's defense clamped down for the most part. JCU's play in the post also became a major factor in short order. Ava Ryncarz drew a foul and hit both free throws to grab JCU's first lead, 12-10, at 5:09.

In the final four minutes of the first quarter, the hosts dominated. John Carroll ended the stanza on an 11-0 run, with a late Carmen Heuker layup off Carly Perusek's pretty pass. JCU stood in full command, 23-11.

A Ryncarz triple started the second to keep the momentum going. A Graci Semptimphelter 3-pointer led Muskingum to take a timeout at 6:16 with JCU ahead 33-15. The hosts kept on trucking, with a 5-point solo run by Carmen Heuker extending the lead to 25. John Carroll possessed a 40-17 lead at the break.

The third quarter proved to be a defensive one, though an and-one with just seconds left by Katie Puletti provided a nice highlight and a 26-point lead after three. The Blue Streaks found space in the paint to counteract any Muskingum offensive momentum in the late goings.

Carmen Heuker topped all scorers with 15 points. Ava Ryncarz (11) and Carly Perusek (10) also reached double figures, combining for 15 rebounds. JCU outrebounded Muskingum, 41-21.

"We've been consistently talking about grit and extra possessions," said Andrews. "We have guards who are willing to crash, tip, and tap balls away from multiple defenders. We have really tough post players who are willing to get beat up down low and grab rebounds to get extra possessions. Overall, the team has been consciously working on rebounding and being gritty, and that's why we were able to pull away and play with more freedom."

Next Up
After tonight's Night at the Races event, John Carroll will remain at home to finish out the first roundrobin of OAC play against the top team in the conference, Baldwin Wallace. Wednesday's game is set to tipoff at 7 pm in the DeCarlo Center.

Print Friendly Version