BALTIMORE, Md. – Lafayette women's basketball traveled to Loyola on Wednesday night and completed the season sweep in a 57-54 decision at Reitz Arena.

The Leopards' guard tandem of Abby Antognoli (16) and Teresa Kiewiet (17) combined for 33 points in the win. Senior guard Halee Smith also finished in double figures, netting 10 points. Laura Salmeron paced Loyola in scoring with 13 points.

Loyola took its largest lead of the game (4-0) at the 8:17 mark of the first quarter after Koi Sims got a layup to fall. Lafayette put up an 8-4 run in response, knotting the game at eight points apiece with 4:01 remaining. The Leopards went on a 5-0 run to close the quarter, leading 13-8 at the end of the first stanza.

Kiewiet kept the run going with a layup to start the second quarter, but Sims ended the spurt with 6:04 to go with a paint score. Marta Espinal cut the Greyhounds' deficit to one-point (15-14) later in the period, but points from Sauda Ntaconayigize (2) and Kiewiet (4) restored a seven-point Lafayette lead (21-14). The Greyhounds put together a short run to end the half and the Maroon and White led 23-22 at the break.

Lafayette had the hot hand in the third period, outscoring Loyola 21-14. The game was tied 28-28 with 7:35 left in the quarter before an 8-4 Leopards' run handed the visitors a 36-32 advantage. The Greyhounds scored on their next possession, but Lafayette controlled the final four minutes and led 44-36 with 10 minutes to go in Reitz Arena.

The Leopards held an eight-point lead (49-41) at the 6:35 mark, before Loyola began to make a run.  The hosts proceeded to put together some defensive stops and a Lily Bottomley layup brought Loyola within two points (54-52) with just over a minute remaining in the game.

An Antognoli free throw later extended Lafayette's lead to three points, but Amandine Amorich got a second-chance layup to fall with seconds remaining. Freshman guard Talia Zurinskas was later intentionally fouled and her two free throws sealed the victory for the Maroon and White.

The Leopards now prepare for their return to Kirby Sports Center at 4 p.m. on Saturday, as they're set to host No. 10 American in the first round of the Patriot League Tournament.


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