A dominant second quarter by Monmouth proved decisive Sunday as Hampton fell 64-57 in women’s basketball action.
The teams exchanged early baskets before Alexis Andrews knocked down a three-pointer to give the Hawks a 9-6 edge midway through the first quarter. Hampton responded with a 7-0 run, highlighted by an Olivia Smith triple that put the Pirates ahead 13-9 with just over four minutes remaining in the period. Aaryn Battle extended the lead to 15-11 late in the quarter, but a late Monmouth basket trimmed the margin to two by the end of the first.
Monmouth seized control in the second quarter, capitalizing on Hampton turnovers and cold shooting. The Hawks forced seven of the Pirates’ 13 giveaways and limited Hampton to just 2-of-13 from the field during a decisive 22-5 run. Monmouth opened the quarter with 10 straight points before a free throw from Kiya Dorroh briefly halted the surge. Janaye Walker added a layup and Battle contributed a floating jumper, accounting for Hampton’s only field goals of the period.
The Hawks pushed their advantage to 21 points in the third quarter following a Madelina Amaro putback that made it 45-24. Hampton began to chip away with an 18-5 run, cutting the deficit to 50-42 after an Akilah Shelton putback with under three minutes left in the period.
Monmouth halted the momentum with consecutive baskets from Divine Dibula and carried a 54-42 lead into the fourth quarter.
A GiGi Gamble turnaround jumper gave the Hawks a 60-47 cushion midway through the final frame. Hampton mounted one last push, using a 10-1 run to pull within four points after Le’Asia Foreman converted a reverse layup with 30 seconds remaining. Monmouth secured the win at the free-throw line, with Dibula converting twice and Alexis Davis adding another.
Dabo led Hampton with 19 points, while Foreman added 11 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Walker grabbed a season-high eight rebounds to pace the Pirates on the glass. Gamble led all scorers with 21 points for Monmouth, and Dibula finished with 20.