Carthage 73, Elmhurst 70
ELMHURST, Ill. - The Carthage women's basketball team traveled to Illinois for a midweek conference matchup against the Elmhurst University Bluejays in Faganel Hall on Wednesday evening. The Bluejays defeated the Firebirds by 15 points in the first meeting between these two squads on Jan. 3, however the Firebirds built a big lead early in the rematch to come away with a road victory over the Bluejays. 



The Firebirds jumped out to a quick 7-0 start with points from Alyssa Orozco and Whitney Thompson. A three from Natalie Harty would end the run and get the Bluejays on the scoreboard. The Firebirds then went on a 15-6 with eight points from Malia Green to take a 13 point lead at 22-9 with 2:48 to play in the first quarter. The Bluejays ended the opening period with a 5-0 run to cut the Carthage lead to 22-14. 

Orozco, Thompson, and Nora Ahram each scored on a 7-0 run to start the second quarter, extending the Carthage lead to 15 points. A three pointer from Green extended the lead further as Carthage led 34-16 with 6:25 to play in the first half. The two teams traded points the rest of the quarter as Carthage held a 41-23 lead at the halftime break.

A three from Harty got the Bluejays offense started in the third quarter, cutting the Elmhurst deficit to 15 points. The two teams once again traded baskets throughout the third quarter before a three pointer for Delaney Elsmore boosted Carthage to a 19 point lead. A last second score from Kristin Bukata brought the Bluejays back within 17, trailing 60-43 heading into the fourth quarter.

A pair of free throws from Grace Cord got the fourth quarter started for the Firebirds, who held a 65-45 lead with 7:35 to play in the game. The Bluejays offense found its stride through the middle of the fourth quarter, going on a 14-3 run in under five minutes to cut the deficit to nine points with 2:48 to play. The Bluejays went on an 11-5 run to bring Elmhurst back within three points of the lead with 17 seconds to go. The Firebirds defense held strong to claim the victory 73-70. 


 

• Alyssa Orozco - 23 points*, 10 rebounds*, 3 assists, 9-16 FG*
• Malia Green - 16 points, 2 steals*
• Grace Cord - 15 points, 8 rebounds, 5-5 FT*
• Delaney Elsmore - 5 assists*, 5 rebounds

*led team in stat category



"It's never easy to get a win on the road in the CCIW, and Elmhurst made us earn it!" said Head Coach Megan Jones. "We came out the aggressor at the start of the game and built a solid lead because we played with high intensity and urgency. Our defense was leading to great offense. We knew they weren't going to go away, they are so effective at getting downhill and scoring or finding the open person on the drive and kick. But we did whatever it took to finish out the game. Very proud of our team! Now time to get focused for another tough road battle on Saturday!"



The Firebirds (8-7, 2-4 CCIW) return to action on Saturday, Jan. 17 as the team heads to Decatur, Ill. to play Millikin at 2 p.m. Carthage women's basketball returns to Tarble Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 21 as the squad hosts Illinois Wesleyan at 7 p.m., which will be featured live on Marquee Sports Network. For more information, visit athletics.carthage.edu.