Bri Claxon
Isaac Petkac
51
Union (TN) Union 0-1,0-0 Gulf South
66
Winner Gannon Gannon 1-0,0-0 PSAC
Union (TN) Union
0-1,0-0 Gulf South
51
Final
66
Gannon Gannon
1-0,0-0 PSAC
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Union (TN) Union 10 10 17 14 51
Gannon Gannon 13 16 21 16 66

Game Recap: Women's Basketball | | By Isaac Petkac, Director of Communications & Creative Content

Claxon Paces GU To Opening Night Win Over #2 Union

THE GAME FACTS

  • Score: #5 Gannon 66, #2 Union (TN) 51

  • Records: Gannon 1-0, Union (TN) 0-1

  • Location: Highmark Events Center (Erie, Pa.)

  • Date: November 7, 2025

ERIE, Pa. – An early statement. Gannon, behind 20 points from Bri Claxon (South Webster, Ohio/South Webster), played suffocating defense on opening night at the Highmark Events Center, securing a 66–51 victory over second ranked Union (TN) on Friday night to kick off the D2 CCA Tip-Off Classic. The Golden Knights controlled the glass and generated consistent scoring balance, out-rebounding Union 49–41 while holding the Bulldogs to 24 percent shooting from the floor. Gannon used a 21-point third quarter to create separation and never looked back.

This is the first of two top five matchups the Golden Knights will play this weekend. GU will face Northern Michigan tomorrow before hosting #4 North Georgia on Sunday to close out the tournament. 

THE KNIGHT CAP

  • Claxon Sets the Tone: Bri Claxon (South Webster, Ohio/South Webster) led all scorers with 20 points, adding 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.

  • Wheatley Posts a Double-Double: Maddy Wheatley (Canberra, Australia/UCSSC Lake Ginninderra) finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds, knocking down three 3-pointers.

  • Ratliff Steady and Efficient: Kate Ratliff (Canal Winchester, Ohio/Canal Winchester) added 14 points and 7 rebounds, shooting 4-of-10 from the field and 2-of-4 from three.

  • Popyk Controls the Glass: Jordan Popyk (Novi, Mich./Novi) pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds while contributing 7 points.

  • Cernuto Impacts Both Ends: Olivia Cernuto (Scottdale, Pa./Southmoreland) chipped in 8 points and a team-leading 5 steals, helping spark transition scoring.

  • Winning the Effort Areas: Gannon posted a 32–16 advantage in points in the paint and 24 bench points.

  • Defensive Identity: The Golden Knights forced 26 turnovers and held Union to 24.2% shooting from the floor.
     

THE NEXT GAME

Gannon continues the D2 CCA Tip-Off Classic on Saturday, November 8, taking on Northern Michigan at 7:00 pm at the Highmark Events Center.

This story was written using the support of AI.

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