Red Flash Topple Hornets, 69-60
Saint Francis University women’s basketball secured a hard-fought 69-60 victory over Delaware State on Thursday night, marking their second win of the season. The Red Flash leaned heavily on standout performances from Jade Campbell and Natalie Johnson, who both achieved career-best numbers in the game. With Campbell dominating in the paint and Johnson providing a crucial offensive spark, Saint Francis overcame a tightly contested matchup to claim the win at Memorial Hall in Dover, Delaware.
The game’s defining stretch came in the final five minutes. Leading 58-55, Campbell extended the advantage with a layup, setting the tone for a strong finish. Airah Lavy added a pair of free throws to make it 62-55, but Delaware State quickly responded with a jump shot to trim the lead. Johnson stepped up with a timely jumper to push the margin back to seven, and Yanessa Boyd knocked down free throws to widen the gap to nine points. Another layup by Johnson in the paint, followed by a free throw from Lavy, capped off the late-game surge and put the result beyond doubt.
The Red Flash found ways to create separation throughout the game, starting with a seven-point run in the first quarter. Lavy’s three-pointer ignited the run, and Harris Robinson followed with back-to-back layups to give Saint Francis a 12-6 lead. Delaware State fought back, but Saint Francis continued to respond, particularly in the second quarter. Down 24-20, three-pointers from Johnson and Ineivi Plata pulled the Red Flash even at 26, ensuring the game remained competitive heading into halftime.
Campbell’s impact was felt throughout the contest, especially during critical moments. Late in the third quarter, she converted consecutive layups to break a tie and send Saint Francis into the fourth quarter with a 50-47 lead. Her career-high 17 points came on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting night, and her 19 rebounds—also a career best—were a key factor in the team’s dominant performance on the glass. The Red Flash finished with a season-high 49 rebounds, outpacing Delaware State’s total of 36.
Johnson, the RMU transfer, provided a significant boost off the bench, scoring a career-high 14 points. Her ability to deliver in key situations, including her clutch fourth-quarter jumper, was crucial to the Red Flash’s success. Lavy added 12 points, continuing her streak of consistent offensive contributions, with Thursday marking her fourth game of the season scoring in double digits. Plata contributed with team-high four assists, helping to facilitate the offense in critical stretches.
With the win, Saint Francis improves to 2-8 on the season, with both victories coming on the road. The Red Flash will now turn their attention to their upcoming game against UMBC, set for December 8 at DeGol Arena. The matchup provides an opportunity for Saint Francis to build on Thursday’s success and earn their first home victory of the season. As the team continues to develop, performances like Campbell’s and Johnson’s will be essential in guiding the Red Flash as they move towards NEC play.
