Bobcats fall to Villanova on short turnaround

Photos: Liz Flynn

Steven McAvoy
November 29, 2020

The Bobcats’ 2020-21 schedule has been full of surprises, and they’re only two games in. Their first game against Providence just four days ago was scheduled on less than a week’s notice.

Much of the same occurred today with the formidable Villanova Wildcats appearing on the schedule just three days ahead of tip-off.

With limited time to prepare, the Bobcats had to pounce quickly, but much like their first matchup against the Friars, Quinnipiac came out scuffling. Although they battled back to within a one-possession score, the Bobcats dropped their second game of the season 63-60 to the Wildcats.

Following a quick 11-0 run from Villanova, Quinnipiac struggled to put points on the board, shooting just 21 percent through their first half of play.

As for Villanova, sophomore Maddy Siegrist was just as advertised. Siegrist, who finished her first year at ‘Nova as the Big East rookie of the year, as well as a top-three finisher in points per game & rebounds, had a monster day. She finished with a double-double, leading both teams in scoring with 23 and snatching ten rebounds.

As the pages flipped from the first half to the second, the Bobcats found their spark. Down seven coming out of the break, the Bobcats pounced on their opportunities, digging into the Wildcats’ lead.

Mackenzie DeWees, who spent the game impersonating a Mack truck, hauled in eleven rebounds, took on charges, and even battled through a nose bleed in the process.

“I was trying to stay in…” DeWees, said, laughing off the nose bleed. “I always have that grit to win and I don’t want to leave the floor.”

As a team, the Bobcats downed 15 of their 17 attempts from the charity stripe. Compounded with their effort at the line, the Bobcats shot an impressive 48 percent from the field in the second half, cutting the lead to as little as one point.

With a chance to push the game to overtime, Rose Caverly missed the contested three-ball, squashing Quinnipiac’s chances, dropping a tight one to Villanova 63-60.

Despite the loss, the Bobcats are ready to get the ball rolling in their next outing.

“We gave up a lot of size, but our adjustment and the girls are adjusting to the game plan, and I love how we’re playing,” head coach Tricia Fabbri said. “We had a great opportunity to jump to 2-0, but we’re continuing to make improvements and we’re ready for what comes next.”

“Whoever knocks on our door, we’re ready to play them, so come get us,” said DeWees.

As the out-of-conference schedule grudges on into December, the Bobcats’ next matchup – tentatively – will come against the Fordham University Rams next Saturday in Hamden.