Two months ago in Grove City, PA., the Waynesburg University Yellow Jackets who were 4-0 entering their first conference game against a Grove City College Wolverines team who had lost their first two of three games to the season. The contest ended with the Wolverines pulling off a close victory over the Yellow Jackets with a score of 70-61.  

“The first time we played them, we had a bad quarter that we struggled to recover from,” forward Clara Paige-Miller said. “This time, we knew had to play a full 40 minutes in order to win.” 

Fast forward to Wednesday, the Yellow Jackets coming off a tough loss to Washington & Jefferson College Presidents on Saturday got back in the win column in the rematch with Grove City.  

Like the first game between the two teams, both would finish the first quarter all tied up at 19 as the Yellow Jackets would shoot seven of 16 to start the game; four of six from behind the arc. 

In the second quarter, Waynesburg started off hot as they would go on a six to two run to open the quarter. Grove City would then come back to tie it late in the quarter on a ten to four run to end the half with a score of 31-31. 

The Yellow Jackets would shoot 11-28 from the field four of ten from behind the arc in the first half. Freshman guard Macie Justice would lead all scorers in the first half with eight points followed by sophomore guard Mia Henkins with seven points.  

“It was definitely a get back game for me offensively and helped my confidence a lot,” Henkins said. “I didn’t shoot great against Washington & Jefferson so focusing on knocking down three pointers was big for me this game.”  

The third quarter both teams would go on multiple runs to take leads. Grove City would gain the advantage to start the quarter going on a 6-2 run to lead by four. Then, Waynesburg would then storm back on eight nothing run to take a four-point lead of their own.  

Finally, Grove City would once again finish out the quarter on a 9-3 run to take a two-point lead going into the final quarter.  

The Yellow Jackets would take over the game in the fourth quarter with help of center Tori Wesolowski and Miller combining for 14 of their 26 quarter points. Miller would hit free throws, a huge three, and took a key charge in the final minute.  

“She got an opportunity, she was prepared, and she took advantage of it.” head coach Sam Jones said. “I am very happy for her.”  

Waynesburg now heads on a five-game Presidents Athletic Conference gauntlet starting Saturday, Jan.18 at Thiel. The game is scheduled for 1 p.m.