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On Saturday afternoon, the Yale women’s basketball (15–10, 8–5 Ivy) team gave its three seniors a perfect send off in their final home game, picking up a 56–40 victory over Cornell (9–15, 4–9) to clinch a spot in Ivy Madness.

Prior to the game, seniors Roxanne Nesbitt ’22, Alex Cade ’22 and Robin Gallagher ’22 walked to center court with their families to receive a framed photo and flowers from head coach Allison Guth. But when the game tipped off, with all three Yale seniors in the starting lineup, the Bulldogs were only focused on winning. 

“When the game tipped off, we said, ‘What’s important now?’” Coach Guth said in an interview with the News after the game. “It was channeling our emotions and taking care of business on the floor. This game always means a little bit more. It’s about celebrating people who have poured their blood, sweat, and tears into this program. I’m just so grateful our team was able to show up for them.”

The Bulldogs came out firing on all cylinders, as Jenna Clark ’24 — who finished with 10 points, six rebounds and six assists — made a quick floater and 3-pointer to put the Bulldogs ahead early. The Big Red fought back, and the game remained close throughout the first quarter, ending with a buzzer-beater 3-pointer by Samantha Will to cut the deficit to 16–14.

The second quarter started slowly, as Cornell scored the only point of the first four minutes before the Bulldogs’ offense found some rhythm. Christen McCann ’25 hit a 3-pointer to start the scoring run. On the next defensive possession, Gallagher forced a turnover, which she then converted into a tough layup on the other end of the floor. After a Cornell free throw, McCann hit another 3-pointer to give the Bulldogs a 24–16 lead.

Gallagher credited the team’s focus on trying to secure a bid in the Ivy League tournament, but also explained that the emotions of the night helped fuel her performance.

“You never really think you’re going to reach senior night when you’re a freshman because you have such a long way to go,” Gallagher said. “But I just think it was such an incredible experience.”

The Bulldogs entered the second half with a 29–21 lead. Klara Aastroem ’24, Cade and Clark each scored on consecutive possessions to open the third period, stretching Yale’s lead to 14 points.

The Blue and White’s defense also clamped down in the third quarter, limiting Cornell to just four points, allowing the Bulldogs to head into the fourth quarter with a 41–25 lead. As Sweet Caroline played over the loudspeakers, the 252-person crowd — featuring several women’s basketball alumni and Yale College Dean Marvin Chun — picked up its energy and seemed to sense that Yale was on the verge of putting the game away.

Nesbitt, the former walk-on turned captain, described the energy in the arena for her final home game. “I think I was a little nervous in the beginning, but it was just a lot of fun. I had a lot of friends and family in the crowd and you could really feel the energy. And the team was really supportive, so it was just a great moment.”

In the fourth period, Camilla Emsbo ’23 scored with two nice post moves, and Clark and McCann each hit 3-pointers, as the lead ballooned to 51–28. The crowd chanted that they wanted to see the seniors return to the game, and Coach Guth acquiesced. 

Nesbitt and Gallagher checked back in to join Cade, who was already on the floor. Nesbitt was the only senior who hadn’t scored already, and the team worked the ball around to try to get her an opportunity. After she had one shot blocked, Nesbitt earned a trip to the free throw line, where she coolly knocked down her first attempt to score her first point of the season. 

In the final minute, Coach Guth subbed out her seniors to allow the crowd to give a standing ovation for their efforts, not just in this game, but over the course of their careers with the Blue and White. The trio has racked up a number of impressive accomplishments over the years, including at least one victory over every league foe, the best regular-season record in program history and the highest ranking in program history in 2018–19. But the job is not done for the Bulldogs, who still have the potential to capture the first victory in Ivy Madness for Yale women’s basketball.

After the game, the team remained on the court and the crowd in the stands for an emotional ceremony. Coach Guth thanked everyone involved in the program — players, assistant coaches, trainers, managers, mentors and Sam Rubin, women’s basketball media contact and assistant director for strategic communications — for enabling the team’s success.

She then turned her attention to the Gallagher, Cade and Nesbitt, each of whom was donning a flower garland on their heads.

“Reflecting on these three women, I will get very emotional because the collective impact that they have had on this program is immense,” Guth began. “They embody our three core values: academic integrity, commitment to values and competitive drive.”

She proceeded to zero in on each of their specific accomplishments over the course of their careers in the classroom, in the community and on the court, starting with Nesbitt.

Guth explained that Nesbitt had sent her a text that read more like a dissertation when she was making her case as a walk-on. To Guth, it embodied the spirit that the senior guard has brought to the team every day. In the message, Nesbitt said that “‘even if I don’t play in any games, I promise you that I will make Yale women’s basketball a better team.’”

Her coach praised her for fulfilling that promise and then some. All year long, every member of the team has praised Nesbitt’s leadership and commitment to keeping the team close, even in the face of adversity. Whenever they needed to call a meeting to get back on the same page, Nesbitt was involved in the process.

Guth then turned to Gallagher, who has faced adversity in the form of multiple surgeries, other illnesses and moments of miscommunication with the coaching staff. Guth praised her for her ability to grow from each of these trials.

Guth boiled it down to a simple sentiment, saying, “as great as your commitment to competitive excellence is, I’m way more proud of you as a woman.”

And lastly, she turned her attention to Cade, who has been the emotional heartbeat of the team all season. She praised Cade as a true team player, having gracefully accepted any role she’s had to play. 

The center from Shaker Heights, Ohio started as a sophomore but was then asked to come off the bench as a junior. She never complained about her own numbers, and continued to work on improving her game to help the team. This year, her individual numbers have reflected this work this season, as Cade averaged 7.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. 

“You are the heart of our team,” Guth explained. “Your commitment to take a gap year to come back, to have this year — we wouldn’t be here without your sacrifice and commitment.”

Several players and fans grew visibly emotional as Guth reflected on the legacy of this year’s class of seniors. The season isn’t over for these Bulldogs, as they have one more regular season game at Brown and then head to the Ivy League postseason tournament.

The team’s goal all season has been to compete for a league title, and that is now within reach. However, for this one Saturday afternoon, the team wasn’t looking forward to the next game. Instead, they took the moment to look back on their last four years.

“I usually don’t cry very much,” Nesbitt said. “But this year, with this team, I’ve actually been super emotional. I don’t know how to really put it in words, but I think the fact that I was crying says a lot.”

The Bulldogs are currently slated to face off against Columbia in the semifinals of Ivy Madness.