ROCKFORD, Ill.-The Rockford University women's basketball team returned to action Saturday to take on Marian University at the Seaver Center for Senior Day. The Regents were saying farewell to two of their seniors and made it a memorable one. Rockford stormed back from 11 down at the end of the third quarter to earn their first Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference victory of the season by the final of 66-65.
The Regents jumped out to an immediate lead with an 11-3 run to just under six minutes remaining in the opening quarter. Amanda Davis (Mundelein, Ill.)scored 7 of the team's 11 points on the run. However, Rockford allowed Marian to cut into the deficit only leading 18-16 at the end of the first quarter. The Regents could not hold onto their lead trailing 37-30 at the half. Offensively Rockford was led by Mallorie Getzelman (Byron, Ill.) with 12 points and Davis with 10.
Coming out of halftime the Regents had a sluggish start which led to them being outscored 17-13 in the third quarter and 54-43 overall. However, in the fourth quarter Rockford flipped a switch and played one of their best quarters of the season. Trailing by 11 with just under 6 minutes remaining Casey Pettit (Rockford, Ill.)knocked down a free throw to trigger the comeback the Regents desperately needed. They began a 16-4 run to finish the game and beat the Sabres for their first conference victory of the season. In the final minute Getzelman drilled a three-point basket with 50 seconds remaining in the game to take a two point lead. Eventually Marian tied the game up until Taylor Davis (Mundelein, Ill.)made the go-ahead free throw with 6 seconds remaining. Rockford played solid defense on the final possession to secure the victory. Getzelman and Amanda Davis combined for 16 of the team's 23 points in the final quarter. The Regents shot an impressive 52.3% from the field for the game.
Offensively the Regents were led by Getzelman with a game-high 24 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals. Amanda Davis recorded 18 points with 4 rebounds and 4 assists.
The Rockford University women's basketball team will return to action Tuesday, February 16 to take on Aurora University at the Seaver Center with a scheduled start time of 7 p.m.
