The Drake women's basketball team faced a challenging road game, but their efforts fell short against the determined St. Thomas Tommies.
A Chilly Battle in St. Paul: In a frigid St. Paul arena, the Bulldogs struggled to keep up with the host team, ultimately suffering a 70-50 defeat. The Tommies, riding a wave of momentum from their recent winning streak, dominated the court from the start.
A Slow Start for Drake: St. Thomas opened the game with a 5-0 lead, setting the tone for the entire match. Ava Hawthorne's basket provided a glimmer of hope for Drake, but the Tommies responded with a 9-2 run, showcasing their offensive prowess.
But here's where the Bulldogs showed resilience: Maggie Taylor's free throws and a crucial offensive rebound by Taedyn Gray, which led to a Grace Knutson three-pointer, kept Drake in the fight. However, St. Thomas continued to extend their lead, reaching a 23-10 advantage by the end of the first quarter.
Sibling Rivalry and a Tough Battle: The second period featured a unique sibling rivalry as Abbie Aalsma faced her sister, Lydia, for the first time in their college careers. Aalsma's basket gave Drake a momentary spark, but the Tommies' relentless attack proved too much. St. Thomas entered halftime with a commanding 43-17 lead.
A Brief Comeback Attempt: The Bulldogs showed signs of life in the second half, with Aalsma's corner trey and traditional 3-point play reducing the deficit. However, St. Thomas maintained control, and despite Drake's improved performance in the third quarter, they still trailed by 20 points heading into the final period.
Drake's Bright Spots: Grace Knutson's standout performance, along with double-digit contributions from Aalsma and Taylor, kept the Bulldogs within reach. The team's distribution efforts were led by Lexi Carlsen, and Anna Becker's career-best blocks provided a defensive highlight.
Coach Pohlman's Reflection: Head Coach Allison Pohlman acknowledged the Tommies' readiness and attributed the loss to their team's slow start. She emphasized the need for better focus and preparation, especially in the early stages of the game.
A Historic Win for St. Thomas: This victory marked St. Thomas' first-ever win over Drake, narrowing the all-time series lead to 2-1 in favor of the Bulldogs. The Tommies' impressive performance included out-rebounding Drake and matching their season-high blocks.
And now, the controversial part: Was this loss a mere blip in Drake's season, or does it reveal deeper issues within the team's strategy and preparation? Could this be a turning point for St. Thomas, or will Drake bounce back stronger in their upcoming conference play? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
