December 2, 2011 Contact: Scott Jamison 352.395.5616 scott.jamison@sfcollege.edu
SF WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
CONEY AND THE SAINTS AVENGE EARLY SEASON LOSS TO INDIAN RIVER, 70-58
Gainesville, FL – Stephenie Coney led a balanced Santa Fe (5-7) attack on Friday night against Indian River State College in the sixth annual Florida College Shootout, scoring 23 points and dishing out six assists in the winning effort.
Fellow sophomore Stephanie Edwards again played well, posting a double double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. The victory avenges an 80-70 loss to the Pioneers on November 12 at the Milton H. Johnson Classic.
“Edwards did a very nice job on both ends of the court tonight,” said SF Coach Chanda Stebbins. “Her shot selection and effort on the boards and on defense were what we expect out of her every game.
“I was impressed with the way Coney played tonight as well,” said Stebbins. “She didn’t force shots, finished in the paint and knocked down her free throws.”
The FCSAA #8 Saints jumped out to an early 10-1 lead, sparked by back to back three pointers by Coney and Stephanie Edwards to start the game. SF gradually stretched the lead out over the half and Tiara Thompson put an exclamation point on the first period with a steal and layup with three seconds left to give Santa Fe a 34-20 advantage at the break.
Thompson started the second half where she left off the first, burying a three pointer to make the lead 37-30 just ten second in. From there Indian River climbed back in the game, trimming the SF lead to as little as four, 58-54, at the 3:30 mark.
Santa Fe immediately countered with ten straight points, capped by two Coney free throws to give SF the 68-54 lead. The Saints made their free throws over the final minute and iced the 70-58 victory.
“I’m happy with the win but I still don’t feel like we played all 40 minutes,” said Stebbins. “We have to stay aggressive on the boards all game and stop giving up so many second chance opportunities.”
The Saints continue in the Florida College Shootout on Saturday, December 3 against Broward College at 6:00 PM.
For complete schedules and more information on Saints Women’s 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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