Huskies Fall in YSCC Playoff Game

Albany, NY – February 18, 2026 – The Word of Life women's basketball team put forth another gritty effort Wednesday evening but came up short in a 65–45 loss to Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in the YSCC Quarterfinal.

Senior forward Ellie Rishel continued her dominant play, notching another double-double with 19 points and a game-high 17 rebounds. Rishel was efficient inside, converting 8 of 14 shots and providing consistent energy at both ends of the floor.

Freshman guard Autumn Bone added a spark off the bench, finishing with 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 steals, while Stephanie Augusta chipped in 9 points and 4 assists. Sloan Clark anchored the backcourt with 6 points and a strong defensive effort, going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line.

Word of Life opened the game with an energetic first quarter, trailing just 17–14, but the Huskies struggled to find rhythm in the second, managing only 6 points before halftime. Despite a 15-point third quarter surge, ACPHS maintained control behind a balanced team performance and a strong inside presence from Sam Howland, who posted 23 points and 16 rebounds for the Panthers.

The Huskies shot 29.3% from the floor and held ACPHS to 33.3%, but the rebounding battle (52–33) proved decisive. Word of Life showed toughness on the defensive glass and created second-chance looks, but turnovers and limited outside shooting (0-for-7 from three) hampered their comeback efforts.

The Word of Life Huskies finish the 2025/26 campaign with an 8-13 record while also reaching the YSCC Quarterfinal round. The Huskies would like to thank all of our fans for their support and we look forward to being back on the court in the fall of 2026!