December 3, 2010 Contact: Scott Jamison 352.395.5616 scott.jamison@sfcollege.edu
SF WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
SAINTS COME BACK TO DEFEAT MIAMI DADE, 85-76
Gainesville, FL – The FCCAA #9 Santa Fe Saints (5-7) overcame a slow start to rally for a second victory this season over Miami Dade College on Friday night in the Women’s Florida College Shootout.
“In the first half we were down by a good margin but our kids kept fighting and didn’t give in,” said SF coach Chanda Stebbins. “I was impressed with our effort and energy and I think this may be the first game we have played with that kind of intensity all 40 minutes. We have been challenging our players to do that and I think it came together tonight.”
SF fell behind early and trailed by as many as 13 early in the first half. Stephenie Coney sparked a rally with two three pointers near the midway point and the rest of the Saints followed suit, turning the tide with a 24-11 run over the final ten minutes of the half to take a 40-39 lead into the break.
MDC hung around in the second half and took the lead at the 17:42 mark, 45-43. Jasmine Richardson immediately answered for SF, scoring two quick buckets to give the Saints the lead for good. The Sharks would get within one on a few different occasions, but each time Santa Fe countered to stay ahead.
SF took their largest lead of the game at 74-84 with just over a minute to go and milked the clock from there to hold on for the win, snapping a three game losing streak.
Five Saints scored in double figures, providing the balance Coach Chanda Stebbins has been looking for.
“I really liked the balance we showed tonight, it’s something we look for every game,” said Stebbins. “I was especially impressed with how well our post players performed. They stepped up in the second half and did a nice job controlling the boards, holding them to only one shot per possession.”
Stephanie Edwards led the way offensively, scoring 17. Demisha Mills finished with 16 points, Stephanie Coney had 15, Jasmine Richarson scored 11 to go along with nine rebounds and Kristien Malone had 10 points and eight rebounds
“Stephanie Edwards had the game we kind of expect her to have every night,” said Stebbins. “She was really aggressive and did some good things with and without the ball, creating opportunities for not only herself but also her teammates.”
The Saints conclude the Women’s Florida College Shootout tomorrow at 6:00pm against St. Petersburg College. SF defeated the Titans 59-56 in their earlier meeting this season on November 5.
For complete schedules and more information on Saints Basketball, please visit www.sfcollege.edu/athletics. To see game photos and other updates, follow Santa Fe College Athletics on Facebook.
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