WATERVILLE, Maine – Saint Joseph's College (0–1) opened the 2025–26 season with a hard-fought 58–55 loss to Plymouth State (1–0) in Thomas College Tip-Off Tournament action on Saturday evening at Larry Mahaney Gymnasium.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
In a matchup that featured eight lead changes and five ties, neither side managed to create much separation. Plymouth State led 16–14 after the first quarter before the Monks put together a strong defensive second frame, holding the Panthers to just seven points to take a 24–23 halftime edge.
Saint Joseph's delivered its best run early in the third. Senior guard Elisabeth Stapelfeld (Brookline, N.H.) and sophomore Hayden Madore (Hallowell, Maine) combined for an 8-0 burst that extended the Monks' lead to 32–23 with 8:02 left in the period. Plymouth State responded quickly, closing the quarter on an 18–8 push to move ahead 41–40 entering the fourth.
Madore opened the final quarter with a three-pointer, and the Monks rebuilt their advantage to 53–45 when senior forward Madison Lebel (Hermon, Maine) scored off an offensive rebound with 3:20 remaining. The Panthers answered with a decisive 9–1 run, tying the game at 54–54 on an Ashley Stephens jumper with 42 seconds left.
Both teams had chances in the final minute, but Saint Joseph's went 1-for-4 at the line, committed a turnover, and missed a late layup while Plymouth State converted all four of its free throws to secure the 58–55 victory.
STATS OF THE GAME:
The Panthers capitalized on SJC's miscues, scoring 25 points off 23 turnovers, and held a 15–9 edge in bench points. Saint Joseph's shot 29.7% (19–64) from the field, while Plymouth State finished at 40.0% (22–55).
LEADERS – SAINT JOSEPH'S:
- Madison Lebel: 10 points, 17 rebounds (9 offensive), 1 block, 1 steal
- Hayden Madore: 13 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
- Elisabeth Stapelfeld: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal
- Logan Brown (Sr., Brunswick, Maine): 11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals
- Emily Adams (Fr., Bangor, Maine): 6 points, 4 rebounds
LEADERS – PLYMOUTH STATE:
- Hailey Malozzi: Game-high 23 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists
- Ashley Stephens: 8 points, 4 rebounds
- Sophie George: 8 points, 2 steals
- Elli Cox: 8 points, 5 rebounds
HISTORICALLY SPEAKING:
The Monks drop to 4–7 all-time against Plymouth State. The teams had not met since January 15, 2004.
NEXT!
Saint Joseph's concludes play in the Thomas College Tip-Off Tournament tomorrow, taking on the host Terriers at 3:00 PM.