LAKELAND, Fla. - For the first time in five years the Florida Southern College women's basketball team is slated to open the 2024-25 season on its home court inside George W. Jenkins Field House. The Moccasins are hosting the annual Sunshine State Conference and Gulf South Conference Crossover Friday, Nov. 8, and Saturday, Nov. 9 facing University of the Alabama-Huntsville and RV Lee University with Rollins College being the other SSC school in the crossover.
"We are excited to get the season started opening up at home for the first time in 5 years", stated third year head coach
Megan Dzikas '12. "Our ladies have been working hard everyday and continuing to get better each day. With replacing 4 starters, we knew it would be a challenge in some ways but I am very pleased with this years teams energy, comradely and confidence on the court. You will see a little different style from us but it will be an exciting brand of basketball to watch."
There's Still Time for Season Tickets!
There is still time for you to support the Mocs on and off the court by joining the Fast Break Club. For more information or questions about joining the Fast Break Club, please contact
Kris Doorey, Director of Athletics Development at
kdoorey@flsouthern.edu or 863-680-4109. [
Download Fast Break Club information here]
Fri., Nov. 8
11:00 a.m. – Rollins vs (RV) Lee
1:00 p.m. - Florida Southern vs Alabama-Huntsville
Sat., Nov. 9
10:00 a.m. - Rollins vs Alabama-Huntsville
12:00 p.m. - Florida Southern vs (RV) Lee
The 2024-25 Squad
The Moccasins welcome five new student-athletes to the program which features three transfers and two first-year students to join the nine returners for the 2024-25 campaign.
"My staff and I worked tirelessly with this incoming recruiting class, and we are thrilled about our newest Mocs," stated Dzikas. "With a balanced class of two freshmen and three transfers, we were able to add size, versatility, and experience that will help us make that jump from last year. Most importantly, this class fits into our competitive and winning culture and we are looking forward to their impact immediately."
Lily Randgaard (Oconomowoc, Wis.) - Junior - Guard - 5'11
Transfer from D1 Western Illinois University. Averaged 7.2 minutes for 2.1 points per game (ppg) to total 74 points in two seasons. She combined 41 rebounds, 11 assists, eight blocks, and 14 steals in her two last seasons. Scored a season-high 10 points, going a perfect 4-4 (2-2 3FG) vs Mt. Mercy in the season opener on 11/6/23. Scored eight points on three other occasions and grabbed a career-high 5 rebounds against Hannibal-LaGrange on 11/15/23. Has two years of eligibility remaining.
Catalina Ion (Bucharest, Romania) - Junior - Forward - 6'0
Transfer from D1 Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. Averaged 4.6 minutes, appearing 20 games off the bench. Averaged 1.2 ppg for 22 points, 0.6 rpg for 14 total, 5 steals, and tied her career-high of five boards and six points last season against Slippery Rock on 11/20/23. Prior to her time as a Raider, she competed for the Romanian National Team, averaging 7.0 points and 2.4 rebounds during the FIBA U18 Women's European Challenger tournament. During the 2017-2019 seasons, she was the leading scorer and rebounder.
Monica Balistrere (Vienna, Va.) - Junior - Forward - 6'0
Transfer from D1 Binghamton University in Vestal, New York. Balistrere spent one season with the Bearcats, where she earned Dean's List all three years and was a member of the A.D. Honor Roll and the America East Commissioner's Honor Roll. In high school, she averaged 10 ppg, 5 rbg, and 3 apg during her senior year. During the 2019-20 season her team won the 2019 Fairfax Holiday Tournament and finished ranked third in the WCAC.
Nia Blocton (Middleburg, FL) - Freshman - Forward- 6'0
Named Female Three Star Athlete of the Year and was an All-County first-team member from 2021-2024. Averaged 12.6 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 2.1 assists per game (apg), and 3.1 spg. Finished her career with 1,299 points and 1,268 boards and is currently the record holder for career rebounds. Blocton competed with the MHD Elite club team where she was named the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year. She graduated as an AB Honor Roll student.
Ella Kletti (Dellwood, Minn.) - Freshman - Point Guard - 5'5
An All-Conference and All-State Academic honoree finished the season at the top of the three-point percentage in Mahtomedi girl's history. Finished ninth on the all-time scoring list and sixth in assists. Averaged 12.5 ppg, 3.3 apg, and 3.2 rpg and concluded her high school career as a 1000-point scorer.
The 2024-25 Schedule
Florida Southern is scheduled to play 27 games over the season with 15 home games inside the George W. Jenkins Field House. The Moccasins host two tournaments at home with the SSC/GSC Crossover Nov. 8-9, and the annual Mocs Christmas Classic Dec. 20-21.
"We put together a schedule that will challenge us," stated head coach Dzikas. "This year's season will feature some strong non-conference opponents that will prepare us for our always tough conference schedule. We are thrilled to be in Jenkins Field House in front of our amazing fans and supporters 15 times this season. I am excited to open up our season at home for the first time in five years as we host the Sunshine State Conference/Gulf South Conference Crossover. We've added a balanced class of two freshmen and three transfers with our experienced returners. This class fits into our competitive and winning culture to help us make that jump from last year. My staff and I are ready to get this season going."
2024-25 Florida Southern Women's Basketball Home Schedule
Nov. 8 - Alabama-Huntsville - 1:00 p.m.
Nov. 9 - Lee - 12:00 p.m.
Nov. 13 - Eckerd (SSC) - 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 19 - Puerto Rico - Mayaguez, - 3:00 p.m.
Nov. 23 - Palm Beach Atlantic (SSC), - 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 7 - Florida Tech (SSC), - 4:00 p.m.
Dec. 20 -
Mocs Christmas Classic - vs D'Youville, 2 p.m.
Dec. 21 -
Mocs Christmas Classic - vs Maryville, 2 p.m.
Jan. 8 - Embry-Riddle (SSC), - 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 11 - Barry (SSC), - 4:00 p.m.
Jan. 22 - Rollins (SSC), - 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 29 - Tampa (SSC), - 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 8 - Lynn (SSC), - 4:00 p.m.
Feb. 19 - Nova Southeastern (SSC), - 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 22 - Saint Leo (SSC), - 4:00 p.m.
* Sunshine State Conference
