By Draven Dabrowski
Sports Writer
After a tough loss to Assumption University last week, the Owls bounced back with a dominant 74–59 win over American International College on Saturday, Feb. 14 at James Moore Field House.
Forward Rheyna Steinauer, a senior, led the way with a career-high 31 points, shooting with efficiency from the field and drained multiple three pointers, giving the team a big lead early.
“Anytime you need her, you call on her,” Head Coach Kate Lynch said. “She gets the job done.”
The game started with both teams trading baskets. The university used the 13–2 run to take control of the game. Steinauer scored eight of her 31 points during this stretch as the Owls built a 17–6 lead.
AIC responded with a brief push, but the Owls held a 21–13 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Despite the Yellow Jackets outscoring the Owls 17–16 in the second quarter, the university was poised and in constant motion.
They maintained their composure and limited second chance opportunities through strong rebounding from forward Tish Blackwood, a freshman. Blackwood posted her 10th double-double of the year, with 20 points and 16 rebounds to help the Owls on the glass.
The connection between Steinauer and Blackwood has been evident all season, playing a key role in the Owls’ success.
“Tish is always pushing me to be better. I want to be Tish,” Steinauer said. “I am so honored that I get to play with her.” The respect for each other goes both ways on and off the court. “We have good IQ when it comes to each other. They may try to double team us, but we always end up finding each other,” Blackwood said.
During halftime, the university saw a performance by the dance team, who were joined by BLEACH!, a drag queen who is a university alumni.
The third quarter opened, and the Owls came out from the locker room hungry for a win. They created separation early and went on a 15– 5 run to extend its lead to 52–35. Steinauer and guard Jillian Martin, a graduate, each contributed four points during their surge, as the Owls capitalized on defensive stops and efficient ball movement.
AIC tried making one final push in the fourth quarter, using a 9–2 run to narrow the margin to 60– 53 with just over seven minutes remaining. But the Owls extended their lead back to double digits and closed the game on a 10-2 run to secure the 74- 59 victory.
With this win, the Owls improved to 18–5 overall and 15–5 in NE10 standings, strengthening their position in the standings as the regular season winds down.
The university will travel to face Adelphi University on Wednesday, Feb. 18 before returning home for their regular season finale and Senior Day against Saint Michael’s College on Saturday, Feb. 21 at home.
