Bodtorf Double-Double Pushes Eagles Past Wilkes
Wilkes-Barre, Pa. – Juniata women's basketball picked up a gritty road win Wednesday night, edging Wilkes 53–51 at the Arnaud C. Marts Center in Landmark Conference play.
The Eagles (3-9, 1-4 Landmark) leaned on a balanced effort and timely defense to secure their first league victory, holding the Colonels (3-9, 0-5 Landmark) to just 35.7 percent shooting from the field and 1-for-9 from beyond the arc.
Bri Bodtorf paced Juniata with a game-high 16 points while also pulling down 10 rebounds for a double-double. Laney Gerdich was dominant on the glass with 14 rebounds to go along with 11 points, giving the Eagles two double-figure scorers.
Despite shooting just 23.8 percent from the field, Juniata stayed within striking distance early and used a 19-point third quarter to flip the momentum. The Eagles outscored Wilkes 19–16 in the third to take a slim lead into the final period.
Emma Coolidge added eight points and six rebounds, while Emily McCann chipped in seven points. Leah Skweres provided a spark off the bench hitting the go-ahead three with 20 seconds left to put the Eagles up 1.
Defensively, Juniata forced 23 Wilkes turnovers and came up with 14 steals, led by Olivia Berg and Bodtorf, who combined for nine steals.
Juniata will continue Landmark Conference action this weekend as the Eagles take on Goucher at home.