Colby Women’s Basketball wins Nor’easter Classic
This weekend, to kick off the winter season, Colby Women’s Basketball took on the University of New England and Nazareth College in the Nor’easter Tip-Off Classic. This knock-out style tournament is held every year to start the season and this year was one to remember for the Mules.
Taking on the University of New England Nor’easters in front of their home crowd was intimidating, and the Mules started out slow. With the first quarter ending 5-7, the low-scoring affair was characterized by strong defense on both sides.
Both teams, however, picked up the pace in the second quarter and their shots started landing. Shaking the rust off of a long off-season, Captain Guard Keagan Dunbar `22 and forward Adaobi Nebuwa `24 led the Mules offense to stick with the Nor’easter’s scoring attempts.
While the first half ended with Colby down 14-22, the Mules were able to regroup and make up their deficit in the next quarter. The third quarter saw Natalia Gonyea `25 tie up the game 28-28 with plenty of time left in the game.
Both teams were shooting more consistently and the game became a flip-flop of lead changes in a close fight for domination. Going into the final quarter, the score was 40-41 with the University of New England just edging out Colby.
The Mules, however, refused to give up in their first game of the season. With their feet under them, they continued pushing the Nor’easters on offense and playing tough, heads-up defense.
In the final minutes of the game, the Mules stepped up to the occasion, expanding their lead to four points in the final minute of play. Still, the Nor’easters did not give up, and converted a three-point shot in their last position, bringing the score to 61-60.
Thankfully for the Mules, the score was finalized at 61-60 as they held onto possession and wound down the clock to celebrate a hard-fought and well-deserved victory.
Going back to Biddeford, Maine the next day, Colby took on Nazareth College in the next stage of the Nor’easter classic. The Mules came into the game hot off their previous win, carrying their momentum to a 7-0 lead to start the game.
The Nazareth Golden Flyers were thrown on the back foot, but eventually tied the game and took a five-point lead to end the first quarter 14-19.
The second quarter tested Colby’s grit again as they clawed their way back into the lead behind brilliant offensive performances from Carter McGloon `24 and Dunbar. Captain Carly Christofori `22, also, brought essential offensive firepower, ending the game with 13 points to her name.
The Mules fought past the Golden Flyers in the second quarter and overtook their lead, bringing the score to 26-23 heading into the halftime break. With the momentum on their side, the Mules maintained their lead throughout the half, with the Golden Flyers tied at various points, but never overtaking the Mules.
The game ended with a final score of 59-53. With huge offensive feats from Christofori and Caroline Smith `24 and a stout defensive performance, the team showed toughness that will likely take this team to new levels as their season progresses.
Dunbar commented on the team’s victories and recognized the talent within her team.
“Pulling out two gritty wins was crucial for our young team moving forward into the season,” Dunbar said. “We had four players in double figures on Saturday, which attests to the team style of play we have been working towards. If this weekend was any foreshadowing, I think we will have an exciting season ahead and we’re looking forward to more competition this week!”
Colby Women’s Basketball will look to carry their momentum into the coming weeks and prove how far they can go. Colby will take on Colby-Sawyer College next in the Colby Tip-Off Classic this Saturday.
~ Will Bedingfield `22
