Galloway, NJ – Stockton University (2-0) withstood a furious fourth quarter rally by Gallaudet University (0-3) and held on for a 66-60 victory on Wednesday night.
Katie Rausch (Monmouth Junction/South Brunswick) scored a career-high 18 points to lead the Ospreys.
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Stockton jumped out quickly, led by Rausch with nine points to forge a 23-10 lead after one period. The Ospreys kept the pressure on the Bison, upping the margin to 39-24 after 20 minutes of play.
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The third frame started slowly for both squads as the teams could not find the mark. The first points were by Gallaudet at 5:12 of the quarter, but the Ospreys were able to maintain the lead at 48-36 heading to the final frame.
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The Bison responded with the first six points of the fourth quarter, before Rausch nailed a three ball to push the Osprey lead back to nine at 51-42. The visitors kept up the pressure, pulling to within two at 58-56 at the 2:02 mark, but three-pointers by Rausch and
Lauren Winant (Middletown/Middletown South) gave Stockton some breathing room and the home team was able to hold on for the 66-60 victory.
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Grace Speer (Estell Manor/ACIT) added 14 markers as the only other Osprey in double figures and pulled down eight rebounds to top the squad. Speer tied Rausch, who shot 5-8 from behind the arc, for the team lead with three steals.
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Gallaudet's Cam Lexow led all players with 20 points, grabbed eight rebounds and tied for the team high with five steals. Alexis Roberts posted 15 points including 7-10 form the free throw line.
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Stockton will travel to Reading, PA for their next game as the Ospreys will take on Alvernia University on Saturday night. Game time is scheduled for 6 pm.
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