Tigers fall to X-Women

ANTIGONISH, Nova Scotia — StFX University defeated Dalhousie University with a final score of 67-40 on Wednesday. 

Dalhousie started the first quarter with an early advantage, opening with a jumper from Samantha Manieri, assisted by Simona Matic. Madelyn White contributed significantly with a steal and subsequent jumper, helping Dalhousie to build a 7-2 lead. The visiting team maintained their momentum through consistent defensive efforts, including five steals, and capitalized on turnovers by the X-Women.

In the latter part of the quarter, Dalhousie extended their lead to 12-4, with Melina Collins adding two crucial free throws. The X-Women responded with a late surge, narrowing the gap to 15-14 with a three-pointer by Ayla White. Despite the push, Dalhousie closed the quarter ahead by one point, leading 15-14.

Dalhousie began the second quarter with a key defensive play as White's steal led to a 3-pointer, briefly giving the team a one-point lead. Despite several exchanges and fouls, the X-Women answered back with two 3-pointers from Mikaela James, pushing ahead to a six-point advantage midway through the quarter.

Dalhousie responded by closing the gap with contributions from Karina Sarai, whose late jumper and 3-pointer, assisted by Matic, helped regain momentum. The quarter concluded with Collins sinking two crucial free throws in the final seconds, allowing Dalhousie to edge ahead 31-30 as the quarter closed.

Dalhousie started the third quarter with a narrow lead, but the X-Women quickly shifted momentum. Matic connected on an early jumper at 8:38 to extend the lead to three points, but this was quickly answered by the X-Women, who took control with efficient scoring and defensive stops. Despite efforts from White and others, Dalhousie struggled to find their rhythm offensively, missing multiple attempts from beyond the arc.

The X-Women capitalized on Dalhousie's offensive struggles, executing a strong 10-point stretch that widened the gap. Defensive rebounds by Manieri and steals from Matic and Collins highlighted Dalhousie's tenacity, but the X-Women continued to build their advantage. As the quarter ended, they extended their lead to 17 points, closing the third quarter ahead 50-33.

Dalhousie began the fourth quarter with defensive intensity as Manieri recorded an early steal, but struggles on the offensive end continued with missed opportunities. Victoria Fournier contributed with a block and crucial defensive rebounds, providing brief momentum shifts. Despite efforts from Melanie Kardos-Mitchell and Fournier, who combined for free throws late in the quarter, Dalhousie faced challenges converting field goals.

The X-Women maintained control throughout the quarter, capitalizing on turnovers and extending their lead with a late jumper from Shannon Neita. Dalhousie managed to cut into the deficit slightly with free throws, but the X-Women's consistent scoring extended their lead. The quarter concluded with Dalhousie trailing 67-40.

White led the team with 11 points, including two three-pointers, and collected three steals. Sarai contributed seven points on 3-for-6 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds. Cairo Henning added five rebounds and four steals while scoring one point. Manieri recorded two points, three rebounds, and two steals.

Looking ahead, Dalhousie will face the X-Women on Saturday November 1, at 6 p.m. at Dalplex