CHICAGO – After almost a two-month hiatus from their home court, the University of Chicago women's basketball team emerged victorious with a solid win over Carnegie Mellon University Friday evening at the Gerald Ratner Athletics Center. In an extremely tight contest, the Maroons pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring their opponents 21-14 to seal the win in their UAA conference home opener.

FINAL SCORE
#23 Carnegie Mellon - 54
#23/24 UChicago - 62

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Maroons were led by junior forward Kate Gross, who posted an impressive 19 points, one shy away from tying her career high, and 7 rebounds. Her efficient shooting from the field (7-13) and the free-throw line (3-4) helped ensure Chicago's steady offense. Senior Sophia North contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, playing a key role in both the scoring and playmaking departments.
• Bri Simpson, another important contributor, finished with 10 points and 3 rebounds, while Annabelle Spotts provided a spark off the bench with 8 points and 6 rebounds in just 16 minutes of play. Spotts' energy helped UChicago control the tempo and maintain a lead throughout the second half.
• The game was close throughout, with the teams exchanging leads 10 times and tying the score a total of eight times. The Maroons came out of the gate strong but were tested by Carnegie Mellon's resilience. After holding a slim 27-25 lead at halftime, UChicago capitalized on its defense and rebounding in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter where they made key free throws and hit critical shots to that helped extend their lead.
• UChicago's defense was also a factor, forcing 11 turnovers and converting them into 19 points off turnovers. Their second-chance opportunities were a key area of success as well, as the Maroons scored 11 points off offensive rebounds, including several crucial boards in the final minutes of the game.
• With this win, UChicago improves to 11-2 on the season and 1-1 in UAA play, putting them in a strong position heading into the remainder of conference play.

 
UCHICAGO STAT TRACKER
Points – Kate Gross (19)
Rebounds – Kate Gross (7) & Sophia North (7)
Assists – Kasi Samuda (2) & Bella Alfaro (2)
Steals – Caroline Workman (3)
Blocks –  Caroline Workman (1) & Annabelle Spotts (1)

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