URGENT UPDATE: In a nail-biting overtime finish, Cornell University defeated Le Moyne College 52-51 in the women’s basketball home-opener at Ted Grant Court on Saturday afternoon. This heartbreaking loss leaves the Dolphins with a record of 1-4 as they continue their season.
Leading the charge for Le Moyne was sophomore guard Eli Clark from Oakhurst, N.J., who scored an impressive 17 points on 4-6 shooting from three-point range and a perfect 3-3 from the free-throw line. Clark played a crucial 39 minutes, adding two rebounds and one assist to her stat line.
Senior guard Sierra Linnin contributed with 11 points, including three three-pointers, allowing her to surpass Kim Black on the program’s all-time list for three-point field goals made. Linnin also recorded seven rebounds and two steals, showcasing her defensive prowess.
Junior forward Ashley Buragas, who matched Linnin’s scoring with 11 points, notched her second double-double of the season with a team-high 10 rebounds and three assists. Buragas played a pivotal role in the game, tying for the team lead in steals.
In a tightly contested game, both teams struggled to maintain leads. Le Moyne initially led by six points early on, but Cornell surged back to take control. The Big Red’s junior guard/forward Rachel Kaus and sophomore guard Audrey Chen each scored 14 points to propel their team to victory, with Chen hitting four three-pointers.
As the game progressed into the final moments of regulation, Le Moyne’s Buragas scored to put the Dolphins ahead, but Cornell quickly responded to tie it at 45-45, forcing overtime.
“We fought hard until the end, but we couldn’t close it out,” said Buragas after the game.
The overtime period was intense, with both teams exchanging leads. A late layup from Chen secured the victory for Cornell, leaving the Dolphins distraught after coming so close to victory.
The loss marks a significant setback for Le Moyne, who now looks to regroup ahead of their next game against the Bucknell Bison on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Lewisburg, Pa.
As fans and players reflect on this narrow defeat, the Dolphins remain determined to turn their season around. Stay tuned for updates as Le Moyne seeks redemption in their upcoming matchup.
