White scored 21 in loss to X-Women

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — STFX edged Dalhousie 68-66 on Saturday at Dalplex.

Dalhousie opened the first quarter strongly, securing an early lead with Melina Collins contributing two free throws to begin the scoring. The team maintained momentum through the first half of the quarter, with Madelyn White hitting multiple 3-pointers and contributing a layup, supported by assists from Simona Matic and Cairo Henning. This offensive push helped Dalhousie establish their largest lead of 12 points at 6:56.

As the quarter progressed, the X-Women responded with a series of baskets, closing the gap. Dalhousie saw their lead narrow as the X-Women capitalized on opportunities, including a three-pointer from Mikaela James and a strong finish by Shannon Neita. Despite the Tigers efforts to sustain their lead, the quarter concluded with the X-Women holding a slight advantage, 21-19.

The second quarter began with Dalhousie trailing but quickly saw the team narrowing the margin. Melina Collins contributed with a jumper to bring the score to 23-21, and Victoria Fournier's layup further closed the gap to 26-25. Despite the X-Women extending their lead to 32-25 with a 3-pointer, Dalhousie responded with a 7-2 run, highlighted by Simona Matic's successful 3-pointer that cut the deficit to 34-32.

The X-Women managed to rebuild a lead to 38-32, but Dalhousie remained competitive, with Fournier adding another layup to bring the score to 38-34. Both defenses held firm in the closing minutes, keeping the score close as the second quarter ended with the Tigers trailing 38-34.

Dalhousie opened the third quarter with a layup from Cairo Henning, narrowing the gap to four points early on. Melina Collins added a three-pointer, assisted by Simona Matic, to keep the score within reach. Despite this, Dalhousie struggled to maintain momentum as the X-Women capitalized on turnovers and second-chance opportunities, extending their lead.

As the quarter progressed, Madelyn White contributed with a jumper, but the X-Women continued to find success in the paint. Collins hit another three-pointer, again assisted by Matic, showcasing Dalhousie's persistence. However, the X-Women's consistent scoring, including a layup in the final seconds, allowed them to outscore the Tigers 19-11 in the quarter. The quarter closed with the X-Women leading 57-45.

Dalhousie entered the fourth quarter trailing but quickly narrowed the gap with a strong offensive push. A 3-pointer by Simona Matic at 8:36, assisted by Madelyn White, was part of a 6-0 run that tightened the scoreline. Dalhousie continued to apply pressure, with Matic contributing significant points, including crucial free throws, as the quarter progressed.

Cairo Henning's layup in the paint at 1:43 brought Dalhousie within one point, and Matic's layup with 19 seconds remaining tied the game at 66. However, a last-second jumper from the X-Women's Mikaela James sealed the game, as Dalhousie finished the quarter just short, 68-66.

Madelyn White led the charge with 21 points, hitting three shots from beyond the arc and contributing two steals. Simona Matic added 13 points, including two three-pointers, while also recording four steals and six assists. Melina Collins scored 15 points and connected on three three-pointers, rounding out a strong offensive performance. Cairo Henning distributed seven assists and collected three steals, providing crucial support on both ends of the court.

The Tigers head to Newfoundland on Friday to battle the Memorial Sea-Hawks.