Yale Athletics

The Yale women’s basketball team (2–8, 0–0 Ivy) battled Stony Brook University (7–1, 0–0 CAA) at Island Federal Arena in Stony Brook, NY on Wednesday at 1 p.m. 

The Bulldogs continued play after a 1–1 weekend, taking a victory over University of Massachusetts (1–8, 0–0 A10) and a loss to Merrimack College (3–6, 0–0 NEC). They looked to earn their third win of the season against the Seawolves, who have had a successful season so far, including a notable win against Yale’s conference rival, Columbia.

The first period began with a quick basket from each team, including a three-pointer by Kiley Capstraw ’26. All points from the Elis in the first quarter came in the form of three-pointers, including Capstraw’s initial three-pointer and two more from Jenna Clark ’24 later. The Bulldogs took 18 shots and sank three. The Stony Brook Seawolves were slightly more effective in their shots, sinking 15 points. The period ended with the Bulldogs trailing 15–9.

Just like the first, the second period began with a three-pointer from Capstraw. Baskets in the second came from more than just Clark and Capstraw, with two points from Mackenzie Egger ’25, three points from Lola Lesmond ’26 and four points from Brenna McDonald ’24. Although more Bulldogs got in on the shooting action, Yale nevertheless trailed Stony Brook the entire second quarter.

After halftime, the Bulldogs came closer and closer to the lead, bringing themselves within four points because of an Egger jump shot that made the score 45–49. From there, though, the Seawolves began to pull away, aided by multiple free throw chances and layups driving to the basket. Clark shone as the Bulldog with the greatest ability to get points on the board, but it was not enough. The third period ended in a score of 56–63.

The fourth quarter began as Yale’s last chance to surge back and take the game. Immediately, baskets by Clark and McDonald brought the game within three, scaring the Seawolves into action. To halt the Bulldogs’ return, two Seawolves — Khari Clark and Sherese Pittman — rallied to score 14 points between the two of them. The Elis fell short despite an excellent showing from Clark, Capstraw and McDonald, losing to Stony Brook 66–81.

Clark had a season-best outing in both points and field goals made, with 26 and 10, respectively. She had 39 percent of the points for the Bulldogs, whose field goal percentage was 38.5 percent against the Seawolves’ defense.

Capstraw and McDonald both scored 13 points for the Bulldogs, with McDonald reaching a season high. Both continue to be steady production for Yale.

The Bulldogs return home this weekend to the John J. Lee Amphitheater in New Haven, Conn. to face the Providence College Friars (3–5, 0–0 Big East) this Saturday.

MEREDITH HENDERSON
Meredith Henderson covers women's basketball and field hockey. She is a first-year in Saybrook College from Keller, Texas. She plays varsity softball and is majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing.