Army Women’s Basketball Defeats Boston University

WEST POINT – The Army West Point women’s basketball team (10-2, 2-0 PL) defeated Boston University (6-7, 0-2 PL) with a commanding 69-59 victory on Sunday afternoon at Christl Arena.

The Black Knights’ 2-0 start in Patriot League play marks their first since the 2013-14 season.

Senior Trinity Hardy led the way with a career-high 25 points, shooting an impressive 60% from the field. She added 9 rebounds, 5 steals, and an assist to her all-around stellar performance. Fiona Hastick and Soleil Montrose also made significant contributions, scoring 13 and 10 points, respectively, to help lift the Black Knights to victory.

Army came out strong with a balanced offensive attack and tough defense. After a scoreless opening minute, Trinity Hardy got Army on the board with a second-chance layup to tie the game at 2-2.

A three-pointer and a mid-range jumper by Fiona Hastick sparked an 8-5 lead midway through the first quarter. Hardy then converted a fast-break layup off a Boston University turnover, and later hit a three-pointer to extend the lead. Soleil Montrose capped the first quarter with a jumper, helping Army close the period ahead 19-12.

The Black Knights carried their momentum into the second quarter. Montrose drained a three-pointer off an assist from Brooke Wilson to push the lead to double digits, 22-12.

Army’s defensive pressure forced turnovers, leading to transition buckets, including a layup by Brooke Wilson.

Hastick knocked down another triple, and Taylor Wilson provided a spark off the bench with a block and an assist on a fast-break basket by Smith. Army went into halftime with a commanding 42-25 lead, fueled by Hardy and Hastick’s scoring efforts.

The third quarter saw the Black Knights extend their dominance. Reese Ericson opened with a three-pointer, and Hardy added a fast-break layup after her fourth steal of the game. Despite Boston University’s attempts to narrow the gap, Army consistently responded. Hardy drained another three, and Montrose hit a deep triple off an Ericson assist late in the quarter, giving Army a 64-41 lead heading into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, Boston University made a late push, starting with a quick layup and outscoring Army 18-5 in the period. However, the Black Knights’ early dominance proved too much to overcome. Key baskets by Smith and Montrose, along with Hardy’s steady free-throw shooting, sealed the win for Army.

Army heads to Baltimore on Wednesday, January 8, to face Loyola in their first road conference test of the season.