Yale Athletics

The Yale women’s basketball team (0–3) played in its first away game of the season on Friday afternoon against St. John’s (3–1). It took the Elis time to adjust to the new environment, and they were never able to pull themselves out of a large first half deficit.

The Elis started the game off with multiple turnovers and missed shots, which allowed St. John’s the opportunity to take a 7-0 lead in the first two minutes. Luisa Vydrova ’27 hit the first shot for the Bulldogs on an assist from Ke’iara Odume ’28.

Although that basket broke the Red Storm’s seven point run, St. John’s kept their momentum going with an 8-2 run over the next three minutes. 

Once again Vydrova hit a critical shot to keep the game in hand. Despite Yale’s loss, Vydrova went six-for-six from the field with four rebounds and three assists. Her consistency was a bright spot in comparison to the team’s low field goal percentage overall. 

“The preparation it takes to shoot with high accuracy really comes down to consistency,” she wrote to the News.  “I put in a lot of reps in practice and in game taking shots I’m confident and comfortable with. It felt great to be locked-in during the game and to help the team with efficient scoring.”

In the remainder of the first quarter, the Bulldogs were able to cut down the St. John’s lead with the help of the playmaking prowess of Kiley Capstraw ’26. She had five assists in a two minute stretch midway through the first period. 

During the rest of the half, very few shots fell for Yale while St. John’s continued to capitalize on the Bulldogs lack of offense. 

Ultimately, it was an offensive off-day for this Yale squad. Ciniya Moore ’28 and Capstraw both scored less than normal. 

While Moore’s 27 percent field goal percentage against St. John’s was below her season average, she was five-for-five from the line.

“When I get to the line, I try not to think about much. I stay loose, stick to the same physical routine every time, and just trust my muscle memory,” Moore wrote to the News. “Hitting free throws definitely boosts my confidence because it reminds me that my shot is solid, even if my night from the field isn’t going the way I want.”

Moore and the Bulldogs attempted to mount a comeback in the second half but could not make up the margin from the first two quarters.

Despite their shooting struggles against the Red Storm, the Bulldogs remain positive about their offensive capabilities going forward this season.

“I always believe the next shot is going in. I know games like that happen, not every game is going to be a great shooting night, but my mentality doesn’t change,” Moore wrote. “When shots aren’t falling, I focus on letting the offense flow, letting the game come to me, getting open looks, taking in-rhythm shots, and staying active so I can get myself going again.” 

The Elis hope to turn around the trajectory of their season by emphasizing the little things on both ends of the floor in their upcoming games. 

“We have to really pride ourselves on the defensive end which will translate to good offense,” Capstraw wrote to the news. 

Yale will next take the court at home against Quinnipiac on Tuesday at 5 p.m.