News Summary
The Denison University women’s basketball team faced a disappointing defeat against Johns Hopkins University, with a final score of 61-53. Despite a strong effort led by standout players, the team was unable to maintain their momentum in the second half. Denison now looks to bounce back as they prepare for a crucial match against Kenyon College.
Denison Women’s Basketball Faces Tough Loss in Florida Showdown
St. Petersburg, FL – The Denison University women’s basketball team encountered a challenging match against Johns Hopkins University on December 30, 2024, at St. Pete Catholic High School. With determination and grit, the Denison team fought hard but ultimately fell short, losing the game with a final score of 61-53.
Leading the Charge
The game started with a less-than-stellar offensive display from both sides, making it a bit of a struggle to watch at first. After the first quarter, Johns Hopkins had a slight edge, leading 13-10. However, things began to shift in Denison’s favor during the second quarter. Thanks in part to the outstanding performance of sophomore guard Violet Mitchell, who led the team with a remarkable 17 points and four rebounds, Denison surged ahead. Together with senior forward Abigail Westmeyer, who contributed seven points and an impressive eight rebounds, the team managed to take a 22-17 lead.
A Fight for Control
By halftime, Denison was clinging to a narrow 26-25 lead. Everything seemed to be clicking, and there was hope for a victory. But as it often goes in sports, the momentum shifted unexpectedly. In the third quarter, Johns Hopkins came out charging with a 9-0 run that flipped the script. The game became a back-and-forth contest, and just when it looked like Denison was regaining their footing, the score tightened significantly at 41-41 late in the third quarter, but Johns Hopkins regained the lead.
The Fourth Quarter Struggle
As the fourth quarter rolled around, Denison found themselves in a precarious position. A few early baskets gave them a glimmer of hope, briefly putting them ahead once again. However, disappointment soon followed as Denison went scoreless for over six minutes during a critical stretch of the game. During this scoring drought, Johns Hopkins took full advantage and strung together a devastating 12-point run that sealed Denison’s fate. Despite their best efforts, the team couldn’t quell the rising tide against them.
Looking at the Numbers
When examining the stats, Denison finished the game shooting a mere 32.2% from the field and only 17.4% from beyond the arc. In contrast, Johns Hopkins enjoyed a slightly better shooting night with a 35.9% field goal percentage, even though they also struggled from three-point range, making just two of their nine attempts. Turnovers were a significant factor in the game; Denison committed nine, while Johns Hopkins had 16. This turnover margin ultimately allowed Johns Hopkins to capitalize more effectively on Denison’s mistakes.
What’s Next?
The Denison community is expected to rally around the team, encouraging them to keep their heads up and push forward after this tough game. Every season comes with its ups and downs, and this is just one chapter in what promises to be an exciting journey ahead!
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Additional Resources
- Denison Big Red
- Wikipedia: Women’s Basketball
- Space Coast Daily
- Google Search: Women’s Basketball
- JMU Sports
- Google Scholar: Women’s Basketball
- NAU Athletics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Basketball
- Tulane Green Wave
- Google News: Women’s Basketball
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
