Families and friends were on the edge of their seats Feb. 8 for Senior Day as the Bobcats pulled off a thrilling, hard-fought win against the Wesleyan University Cardinals.

Alumni Gym was packed, celebrating seniors and recognizing their impact on the court and beyond. Team Captain Elsa Daulerio ‘26 was decorated for her hard work in achieving 200 career blocks and becoming the 22nd player in Bates women’s basketball history to surpass 1000 career points. She joins Associate Director of Athletics and mother Adrienne Shibles ‘91.

“We’re celebrating four amazing young ladies and their career here at Bates. I absolutely love the seniors and what they brought to this team the past four years,” Monica Hicks, who attended to support her daughter Mya Hicks ‘27, said.

The first quarter was fast-paced, with momentum shifting back and forth as the Bobcats held off the Cardinals’ offensive and defensive pressure. Sarah Hughes ‘27 put the Bobcats on the board, generating early offensive momentum. The Bobcats outshot Wesleyan in overall field goal attempts, shooting 60 percent, while the Cardinals found success beyond the arc, outshooting from a three-point range.

Despite the Cardinals ability to respond, the Bobcats led by a point going into the second, where the physicality continued. Offensive success grew as the Bobcats improved their shooting, allowing the Bobcats to pull away with a 10-point lead. An and-one finish from Dani Adams ‘26 energized the crowd, forcing the Cardinals into a timeout.

Although the Bobcats built strong offensive momentum early in the second quarter, the timeout paid off for the Cardinals as they began turning things around offensively. The Bobcats still led by five entering the half, with Lily Brown ‘28 hitting a crucial three pointer to sustain the advantage.

“We just keep fighting. That’s what we do. That’s why we’re 19-2. They never give up,” Hicks said.

Coming out of the half, the Bobcats struggled where the Cardinals led the quarter in field goals and three-pointers made, eventually drawing a six point lead. Despite the Bobcats being cold offensively throughout the quarter, they kept the Cardinals on their toes, closing the lead by two on a buzzer beater.

The fourth quarter began with the Bobcats tying the game with a mid range shot from Hughes. They continued to apply offensive pressure, eventually bringing the lead back up to four.

However, the Cardinals came up with a crucial three pointer and then a steal that tied the game with a minute left. Daulerio then had a pivotal steal of her own, giving possession to the Bobcats. Out of a reset timeout, Hughes made a vital shot to take the lead.

“We know there’s a real target on our back and everyone is going to play our best against us. We didn’t doubt ourselves for a second,”  Hughes said, reflecting on the game.

The Cardinals were unable to answer, and Petra Kuncz ‘27 capitalized on a rebounding opportunity.

The Bobcats sealed the win with Hughes’ game winning shot, ending in a 65-61 victory.

“We knew we would get the win as long as we all did our jobs. It also really helped having so many students at the game. Basketball means more when we get to share it with the rest of the school,” Hughes said.

The win moved the Bobcats 20-2 on the season, capping Senior Day with a conference victory in front of a packed Alumni Gym.