How five Spiders beat one Ram: Asiah Dingle’s 31-point game wasn’t enough to end Fordham’s losing streak

The Rams suffered a tough spell against the University of Richmond (UR) Spiders on February 23, losing 79-69. The Spiders held a 30-point lead in the fourth after the Rams collapsed. The Rams have fallen to fifth in the A10 standings and La Salle University are now in fourth place.

The Spiders set the tone early in the first quarter when UR ’24 Addie Budnik hit a three-pointer 24 seconds into the game. Fordham’s defense didn’t improve from there as the Rams allowed 23 points earlier in the first quarter. Along with a slow defensive start for the Rams, their offense also suffered.

The Spiders continued to warm up around the net and seemed unaffected by the Rams’ attempts to apply defensive pressure. Emma Squires, UR ’22, dribbled past two Rams who stood under the net like steadfast royal guards.

Richmond’s offensive strength was too big for the Rams’ defense.

In the first quarter, Anna DeWolfe of Fordham College of Rose Hill (FCRH) ’23 had just one of eight attempted shots. As a team, the Rams attempted 17 field goals, but only three were successful. Alongside DeWolfe, Kaitlyn Downey, Gabelli School of Business at Rose Hill (GSBRH) ’22, and Megan Jonassen, FCRH ’22, scored all seven points for Fordham in the first quarter.

Each of Richmond’s starters put numbers on the board. Grace Townsend, UR ’24 and Budnik were the top scorers in the first quarter, each scoring six points.

Richmond’s offensive strength was too big for the Rams’ defense.

DeWolfe didn’t score in the second quarter, straying from his usual average of 14 points per game. It continued throughout the game as DeWolfe finished with just nine points.

But the Rams are known for their team effort, and while DeWolfe didn’t convert many shots in that game, Asiah Dingle, FCRH ’22, had a total of 31 points.

The Rams scored just 12 more points in the second quarter. Kendell Heremaia, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) ’23, broke a four-minute dry run with a three-pointer, 28-10.

Richmond’s offensive abilities were displayed by every player who was on the pitch. Siobhan Ryan, UR ’24, attempted a three-point shot but was unsuccessful. Ryan, unfazed by how many Rams were willing to get the rebound, grabbed his own rebound and went for a layup. Ryan’s layup created a 20-point lead between the teams, 30-10 with five minutes left in the quarter.

The Rams attempted to catch the Spiders but faced exhaustion as the Spiders played a quick game. The Spiders showed no intention of slowing down as they continued to fire back-to-back shots and seemingly taunted the Rams’ weak defense with shots close to the net.

Townsend pushed the Spiders’ lead further, shooting a three and then a layup in 30 seconds to make it 45-22.

The second quarter ended with Richmond at 40 and the Rams trailing by 21 points.

Downey kicked off the third quarter with a three-pointer, which brought Fordham’s total to 22 points. But Townsend pushed the Spiders’ lead further, firing a three and then a layup in 30 seconds to make it 45-22.

A foul from DeWolfe sent Townsend to the free throw line, where she scored her fifth point in those same 30 seconds, 46-22.

There were six minutes left in the quarter when the Rams finally regained their momentum. In three minutes, the Rams scored 11 points. Efforts from Heremaia and Dingle cut the lead with lay-ups.

With 60 seconds remaining in the quarter, Dingle sent UR ’22 Kate Klimkiewicz to the free throw line, where she shot the Spiders’ 67th point.

Dingle carried her team this quarter, as she tallied 10 points.

Richmond’s defense wasn’t great; the Rams missed shots on their own blunders. In the third quarter, the Rams made just nine of 23 field goal attempts. Dingle carried her team this quarter, as she tallied 10 points.

Although the Spiders’ leading shooter only earned his team seven points, their 26-point lead was due to collective success.

Fordham’s habit of starting slowly failed them again. The fourth quarter was riddled with pressure from the Rams as they regained their defensive momentum.

Dingle scored 15 points in that quarter, with Downey just behind her at six points. Dingle almost single-handedly turned a 24-point game into a 10-point game. Fordham’s defense only allowed Richmond to add another 12 points to the scoreboard.

If Fordham’s success hinges solely on the trio of DeWolfe, Heremaia and Dingle, he will continue to set the Rams up for a disappointing end to an otherwise excellent season.