'Berg Falls to OWU in Hoops for Hope Classic

The Heidelberg College women’s basketball team returned to the hardwood this evening following the Christmas holiday to take part in the Hoops for Hope Bishop Classic hosted by Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. In an opening round game the Berg fell 89-76 at the hands of the host Bishops. Ohio Wesleyan improved to 6-3 overall, while Heidelberg stands at 3-7.
 
Heidelberg and OWU are joined by Washington and Jefferson College and Northwestern Ohio in the four-team classic. Admission to the classic is free, but donations are being accepted to benefit breast cancer research. The Berg will face Northwestern Ohio in the consolation game tomorrow, Dec. 30 beginning at 1:00 p.m.
 
An up tempo first half saw a see-saw battle early on before the Bishops took control and built a 20-point lead, 46-26. The Berg closed out the half on a 16-2 run to pull within six points, 48-42, at the intermission. Freshman Lyndsey DaVault (Orrville, Ohio / Orrville) sank three consecutive from long range and Brittany Skolnicki (Lorain, Ohio / Clearview) added another at the buzzer to cut Heidelberg’s deficit to single digits at the break.
 
In the opening half of play, Heidelberg connected on 16 field goals, including seven from long range, while the Bishops were solid from long range as well, sinking eight treys.
 
Skolnicki backed into the low post and found the bottom of the net with 13:28 to play in the game to give the Berg a 54-52 lead. Its lead was shot lived as the Bishops took advantage of two offensive rebounds on the ensuing possession to knot the game. OWU regained the lead which was extended to 12 points, 73-61, with 7:13 on the clock.
 
Heidelberg battled back to pull within seven, 78-71, following a Skolnicki lay up with just under two minutes to play in the game. In the final minutes the Berg was forced to foul and the Bishops connected on 9-of-10 from the charity stripe to lead to the eventual 89-76 win.
 
For the game, Heidelberg shot 41.5 percent (27-of-65) from the field, while the Bishops connected on 31-of-63 attempts for a 49.2 percent mark. OWU held a 47-30 advantage on the glass. The Berg defense forced OWU into 16 turnovers on the night, while committing just 10 of their own.
 
Stacey Richard (Galloway, Ohio / Central Crossing) led the way for the Berg with 23 points and five rebounds, to go along with two assists. Skolnicki finished with 20 points and a team-leading six rebounds. Skolnicki dished out three assists and added a block and a steal. DaVault finished with nine points and Sarah Kesse (Cincinnati, Ohio /Colerain) and Jenny Miller (Tiffin, Ohio / Clyde) chipped in with seven points apiece.
 
Ohio Wesleyan had four players in double figures led by Pam Quigney’s 19 points.