STEWART MANOR, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a game defined more by grit than grace, the Monmouth Hawks weathered a disastrous start and a relentless individual performance from Hofstra’s Chloe Sterling to escape the Mack Sports Complex with a 59-54 victory in a Colonial Athletic Association women’s basketball contest Friday night.

The game’s most critical phase was not a singular play, but a sustained defensive effort that bridged the first and second quarters, allowing Monmouth to claw back from a deep early deficit. The Hawks, who managed only four points in the opening period, found themselves staring at an 18-4 hole after Hofstra’s Sandra Magolico converted a layup just before the first-quarter buzzer. The Pride, capitalizing on a flurry of Monmouth turnovers and missed shots, appeared poised to run away with the game.

The tide turned decisively with a 20-8 Monmouth advantage in the second quarter. The Hawks’ defense stiffened, forcing Hofstra into rushed possessions and converting turnovers into points. A key sequence saw Monmouth’s Kathy Kersaint-Pierre notch a steal and a layup, followed by another theft that led to a GiGi Gamble basket, part of a 14-2 run that brought the Hawks back to life. By halftime, Monmouth had trimmed the deficit to 26-24, completely resetting the game’s momentum after a first quarter where they were outscored by 14 points.

Monmouth carried that energy into the second half, eventually building its own lead, though the Pride refused to fade. Sterling, a guard from Kennesaw, Georgia, was spectacular in defeat, scoring a game-high 20 points and dishing out six assists. Her backcourt partner, Magolico of Maputo, Mozambique, added 13 points. Their efforts kept Hofstra within striking distance throughout a sloppy, physical contest that saw the teams combine for 41 turnovers.

The Hawks’ victory was a product of balanced contribution and critical plays down the stretch. Gamble, a guard from Somerset, New Jersey, led Monmouth with 16 points, including a crucial three-pointer early in the fourth quarter that extended the lead to seven. Alexis Andrews of Montgomery, Alabama, provided 11 points and persistent defensive pressure, while Maria Amaro of Faro, Portugal, chipped in nine points and three assists.

Hofstra, which fell to 3-18 overall, had a chance to tie the game in the final minute. Trailing 52-50, the Pride forced a turnover and called a timeout with 31 seconds remaining. Out of the stoppage, Sterling drove and scored a layup to knot the game at 52 with 27 seconds left. Monmouth, however, executed perfectly in the closing moments. Andrews was fouled and calmly sank two free throws with 19 seconds on the clock to restore a two-point lead.

On the ensuing possession, Gamble blocked a potential go-ahead three-point attempt by Sterling, and Kersaint-Pierre secured the defensive rebound. She was immediately fouled and made both free throws with 13 seconds left to seal the 59-54 final.

Statistically, the game was an unsightly affair. Both teams struggled offensively, with Monmouth posting a 79.2 offensive rating on 74 possessions and Hofstra an 82.1 on 66 possessions. The Hawks shot just 40.4% from the field but held Hofstra to 46%. The difference came at the free-throw line, where Monmouth attempted 20 shots, making 13, compared to Hofstra’s 6-of-8 performance, and in points off turnovers, where the Hawks held a 25-16 advantage.

With the win, Monmouth improved to 15-7 and will look to build on the hard-fought road victory when they travel to face Drexel on Sunday. Hofstra, still seeking consistency, will host Hampton on Sunday. The two teams are scheduled for a rematch at Monmouth on March 1.