Army West Point Athletics
Army West Point
14-4,6-2Patriot
Navy
14-5,6-2Patriot
Women’s Basketball Defeats Navy, 59-49
January 26, 2025 | Women's Basketball
WEST POINT, N.Y. – The Army West Point women's basketball team (14-4, 6-2 PL) extended their dominance over rival Navy (14-4, 6-2 PL) with a 59-49 victory on Sunday afternoon at Christl Arena. The win marked the Black Knights' sixth consecutive triumph over the Midshipmen, their longest streak in the rivalry in over 30 years.
Sophomore Kya Smith led the way for Army with a standout performance, recording 14 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks while shooting .500 from the field. It was Smith's third double-double of the season. Senior Trinity Hardy contributed 13 points, while Reese Ericson and Fiona Hastick also reached double digits, scoring 10 and 11 points, respectively.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Black Knights came out strong, winning the opening tip and quickly converting on a second-chance tip-in by Kya Smith. Trinity Hardy followed with a driving layup off a turnover, giving Army an early 4-0 lead. The Black Knights' defensive pressure caused early mistakes by Navy, leading to transition opportunities. Reese Ericson nailed a three-pointer from the wing, and Brooke Wilson added another to maintain the momentum. Hastick capped the quarter with a pull-up three-pointer and a layup, giving Army a 21-12 advantage after one.
Navy fought back in the second quarter with four unanswered points, but Smith answered with a turnaround jumper and Ericson added a floater. A 9-2 Army run stretched the lead to 32-18 with 4:36 remaining in the half. Navy responded with an eight-point burst to cut the deficit, but Smith's late layup sent Army into halftime up 34-26.
Smith continued to shine in the second half, opening with a layup to maintain Army's momentum. While Navy hit a three-pointer and a free throw, Hardy and Camryn Tade countered with back-to-back layups to sustain the Black Knights' 10-point cushion. The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter, with Navy slightly outscoring Army 3-2 in the final minutes. Army entered the fourth quarter with a 47-38 lead.
Hastick started the final frame with a clutch and-one play, converting a layup and free throw. Navy made a push, scoring four unanswered points to cut the lead to 50-43, but the Black Knights quickly regained control. Army outscored Navy 9-6 down the stretch to seal the 59-49 victory and their sixth straight win in the rivalry.
NEXT UP
Army will travel to Hamilton, N.Y., on Wednesday, January 29, to face Colgate for the second time this season. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM.
