Fordham women’s basketball team attained their first win of the season against Quinnipiac University (QU) on Nov. 9, 2021. With only two seconds left in the fourth quarter, Rose Caverly, QU ’22, made a three-pointer to send the game into overtime, but a trio of Fordham players finished strong to secure a 79-71 victory for the Rams. 

The first 15 seconds of the first quarter was a nonstarter as the larger circumference of the men’s-sized basketball caught the attention of a referee, and the game had to be restarted. The game recommenced and Stony Brook University transfer Asiah Dingle, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’22, made her official Fordham debut. It was a memorable one. 

By the end of the game, Dingle racked up 34 points, six rebounds, three assists and six game-changing steals. Dingle held possession of the ball and drove for an easy layup in the first 60 seconds of the game. One of Dingle’s most noticeable strengths was her ability to study the court while playing. This strategy was the key to Fordham’s success. 

Every player on the court was a necessary asset to the team.

Anna DeWolfe, FCRH ’23, had a rough start with shooting in the game, making just six of the 18 field goals she attempted, but her tactful ball handling made up for the shooting struggles. 

Throughout the first half of the game, the Rams seemed to be entirely dependent on one another — every player on the court was a necessary asset to the team. 

Early on, the team was moving the ball well and created scoring opportunities, but missed layups and other offensive miscues hurt the team’s progress. Although this game ended successfully for Fordham, the Rams only had a 35% field goal success rate and a 34% success rate for three-pointers. But their ability to capture rebounds helped the team maintain offensive strength. 

Caverly, Mikala Morris, QU ’23, and Mackenzie Dewees, QU ’22, managed to hold their own against Fordham and led their team in scoring with a combined total of 22 points in the second quarter.

By the end of the second quarter, the Bobcats were upstaging Fordham with an eight-point lead. But the Rams did not want to end the quarter with the point gap approaching double digits. 

With 25 seconds left in the second quarter, Kaitlyn Downey, Gabelli School of Business at Rose Hill ’22, made a three-point shot to complete a six-point swing in the final 60 seconds. Fordham trailed, 30-35.

Fordham’s women’s basketball team has a trait that many teams lack: the ability to study and analyze every person on the court while playing intensely.

The third quarter began, and the Rams noticeably had lost their touch. They were aggressive, but their play became disorganized and kept missing baskets. Dewees noticed this change in Fordham and did not seem to be bothered by the team’s natural intimidation factor, as she found an opportunity to make a strong drive toward the basket. Dingle, determined to make her debut game a win, found multiple opportunities to bring the ball back to Fordham’s side of the court and take some much-needed shots. 

Dingle’s 26th basket was the defining point of the game. It proved that Fordham’s women’s basketball team has a trait that many teams lack: the ability to study and analyze every person on the court while playing intensely. 

It started with DeWolfe’s interception of a pass from Quinnipiac, followed by a slick pass to Dingle. Dingle maneuvered the ball as she was trailed by her own teammates and Quinnipiac. Regardless of all the bodies taking up view in her sights, Dingle made the layup and Fordham took a 10-point lead against the Bobcats. The 10-point lead was not enough for Fordham, as the team worked until the last second to make one last shot in the quarter. 

Fordham’s defensive strength began to irritate the Bobcats. Quinnipiac players had begun to increase their aggression, but their temperament ultimately gave them multiple fouls. Downey had a successful three-point shot, giving Fordham a large enough lead for comfort. Immediately after the shot, the players ran down to Quinnipiac’s side of the court. Morris shoved Downey to the floor. Downey cheered as she landed on the floor because this aggressive move gave Fordham possession of the ball once again. 

Both teams worked hard in the last quarter, but with the final score knotted at 65-65, the game went into overtime. The Rams came out of a team huddle with smiles on their faces, and they began to make up for all the missed shots during the game. In overtime, Kendell Heremaia, Fordham Graduate School of Arts and Sciences ’22, especially redeemed herself after multiple missed layups. She received a pass from DeWolfe, coming in underneath through the backdoor and making the necessary score. 

Quinnipiac’s fouls on Fordham were a major assist to Fordham winning this game. Fordham gained six chances at free throw shots because of the fouls. The final score of the game was Dingle’s last free throw shot for her 34th point of the game. 

“Super proud of this team with a hard-fought win over a really good Quinnipiac team that is picked to win the MAAC.” Stephanie Gaitley, head coach

Head Coach Stephanie Gaitley reflected on her teams’ performance. 

“Super proud of this team with a hard-fought win over a really good Quinnipiac team that is picked to win the MAAC,” Gaitley said. “Asaih was a highlight reel, Kaitlyn had a double-double, and Millie (Prior, FCRH ’25) with nine offensive rebounds. GREAT team win!”

Fordham’s next game will be on Saturday, Nov. 13, at Seton Hall University. Both teams are reemerging onto the court after two very competitive games. The Pirates will reenter their home court after a triumphant win against Mount St. Mary’s this past Wednesday night, 81-68.

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