MADISON, N.J. – The Drew University women's basketball team whittled a 15-point deficit down to six late in the third quarter, but Catholic University answered with a 9-0 run and went on to hand the Rangers a 54-39 setback in the regular-season finale for both teams on Senior Day in Baldwin Gym Saturday afternoon. Senior Hailey Stine posted 14 points and a career-high six steals for Drew (13-11, 6-8 LC), which will now hope for a possible berth in the ECAC Division III Tournament.
 
How it Happened: The Rangers were outscored 8-2 to start the game before allowing just three points over the final seven minutes of the quarter. Drew took the lead (14-11) on a 3-pointer from Stine, giving her team a 14-11 edge at the end of the opening period. But that's when the Cardinals (16-9, 8-6 LC) outscored the Rangers 18-4 in a pivotal second quarter to open up a 29-18 halftime lead. After sitting out much of the first half with foul trouble, sophomore guard Julia Ramos provided a spark in the third quarter, scoring six straight points for the Rangers, including a jumper with 2:50 left in the period that made it 34-28 before the Cardinals aforementioned run. Drew would not give up, however, and an 8-0 run capped by a lay-up and a 3-pointer from freshman forward Lauren Cruse, made it 43-36 with 9:27 to go. But the Cardinals had an answer once again, using a 6-0 spurt that led to a double-digit lead they would not relinquish.
 
Top Performers: Stine shot 3-for-6 from 3-point territory while classmate Sarah Henig notched four rebounds and three steals in what could have been the final home appearance for Drew's lone seniors. Sophomore forward Erin Frederick added seven points and six rebounds for Drew while Mollie Reynolds led Catholic with 16 points.
 
Stat Sheet: The Rangers held the Cardinals to just 32.0 percent shooting and forced 25 turnovers. However, Drew also committed 25 turnovers while Catholic owned a 44-24 rebounding advantage. The Cardinals finished 18-for-25 at the foul line.
 
Up Next: Drew, which did not qualify for the Landmark Conference playoffs, will learn if it makes ECACs when the field is announced on Monday, Feb. 25.