LORETTO, Pa.  – Saint Francis University women's basketball took a 64-54 victory over Wagner in its first conference game of the 2023-24 season.
 
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
» Destini Ward had a game and career-high 19 points on 8-of-17 shooting from the field. She added six rebounds and three steals.
» Julianna Gibson had a career-high 15 points on 7-of-13 shooting.
» Kendall Carruthers scored 13 points and added six rebounds.
» Yanessa Boys tied a game-high with eight rebounds and Marina Artero added seven.

TURNING POINTS OF THE GAME
Saint Francis and Wagner played an even first quarter and were within two points for the entire quarter before it ended tied at 16. In the second quarter, the Red Flash opened a five-point, 28-23 lead, with 3:19 remaining before entering halftime with a 32-29 lead.
 
Out of the half, Wagner took the lead back 33-32 with 8:34 remaining in the third and led 40-38 with 3:57 remaining before an 11-2 run to end the third gave Saint Francis a 49-42 lead.
 
In the fourth, Saint Francis took its first double-digit lead, 55-44, with 7:02 remaining after a Carruthers three-pointer. In the final seven minutes, Saint Francis led by at least seven then entire way before earning its 10-point victory.

FLASH NUGGETS
As a team, Saint Francis set a season-high with 17 assists led by Kameryn Dorsey's five.
 
Ward's career-high 19 points broke her previous mark of 16 this season against Morgan State. Her eight converted field goals also set a career high. Ward also has four games this season with at least three steals.
 
Gibson has now set a career-high in points in back-to-back games. She put up 14 in the non-conference finale at UMBC.
 
Boyd set a career-high with eight rebounds and led Saint Francis in rebounds for the second time this season.
 
NEXT
Saint Francis hosts reigning Northeast Conference Champion Sacred Heart on Monday, Jan. 8 at 7 p.m.