WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Opening night of Crossroads League play proved a tough test for the #RV Huntington women’s basketball team, as the Foresters dropped a 74–62 road decision to undefeated Spring Arbor on Wednesday evening inside American 1 Credit Union Arena. HU moves to 4–3 on the year (0–1 CL) while the Cougars stay perfect at 6–0 (1–0 CL).

Huntington struck first, an Annaka Nelson bucket on the opening possession, but offensive struggles throughout much of the first half made it difficult to maintain early momentum. After trailing 17–12 at the first break, HU found life in the second quarter thanks to Nelson, who poured in five straight points to spark a rally that tied the game at 19–19 midway through the frame.

However, Spring Arbor’s extended, endline-to-endline pressure proved disruptive. The Cougars forced HU into 12 second-quarter turnovers, using the extra possessions to build a 31–21 halftime cushion. Despite the double-digit deficit, Huntington refused to fold.

HU battled back several times in the second half, trimming the lead to six on multiple occasions. Huntington matched SAU nearly point-for-point over the final 20 minutes (43–41), but the early hole ultimately proved too steep to overcome.

The Foresters were led by Liv Raby, who delivered a dominant double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds while also adding five steals and a block in an impressive all-around performance. Allison Price contributed 10 points, four rebounds and three steals, with Nelson close behind, finishing with nine points, four rebounds and four assists. Kyndell Jochim and Peyton Hartsough added 8 points apiece, with Jochim knocking down a pair of triples.

Spring Arbor, meanwhile, was powered by a trio of standout scorers. Ashley Weller poured in 24 points on 9-for-11 shooting and added two steals, while Megan Zeitz followed with 20 points and five rebounds. Emma Smieska rounded out the Cougar attack with an impressive line of 18 points, seven rebounds, six steals and five assists. Together, the trio accounted for 62 of SAU’s 74 points.

Huntington returns to Platt Arena on Saturday for a 1:00 p.m. matchup with Mount Vernon Nazarene.