SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Gannon women's basketball team's 19th game of the season brought more of the same for the Golden Knights, but the game also featured something new – the return of a veteran player to the court.

Sam Pirosko scored 18 points and Bri Claxon (South Webster, Ohio/South Webster) and Andrea Maibach (Creston, Ohio/Norwayne) each scored 12 as No. 3/4 Gannon defeated Slippery Rock 74-50 at Morrow Field House. The Golden Knights earned their 15th win in a row as it improved to 18-1 overall and 10-0 in the PSAC West.

However, one moment stood out for coach Cleve Wright's team, and it happened late in the fourth quarter when the outcome of the game was well in hand. Redshirt senior Ali Benim (Erie, Pa./Harbor Creek) made her first appearance of the season after missing the first 18 games while rehabilitating from an offseason injury.

 

One of the best things about the Gannon women's basketball team's 74-50 win over Slippery Rock on Wednesday was the return of veteran Ali Benim (Erie, Pa./Harbor Creek). She missed the first 18 games while rehabilitating from an injury.
Benim hit a 3-pointer on her only shot of the game. @GannonWBB pic.twitter.com/K53KaLu6oz

— Gannon Athletics (@GUKnights) January 18, 2024

Gannon started relatively slowly against The Rock (1-11 overall, 1-8 PSAC West), taking a 13-11 lead through one period after sinking 4-of-13 field-goal attempts.

However, the Golden Knights grew progressively hotter the rest of the way, shooting 50 percent (7-of-14) in the second quarter, 53.8 percent (7-of-13) in the third quarter, and 66.7 percent (10-of-15) in the fourth.

The Knights outscored The Rock 19-9 in the second period as they took a 32-20 halftime lead. They led 49-31 after three quarters.