Sydney Gomes Leads Florida Southern to Victory with Career High of 31 Points

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Florida Southern (1-1, 0-0 SSC) defeated UAH (1-3, 0-0 GSC), 76-65, utilizing 19 points off turnovers in a neutral-site matchup at Walker Arena.

Sydney Gomes scored a career-high 31 points, converting 12 of 24 from the field, including three 3-pointers, and recorded four steals. Carlota Gomez Alonso added a career-high 10 points, making 4 of 5 shots and tallying two steals, while also contributing five rebounds. Nacoya Blocton contributed a career high 9 points of her own, connecting on two three pointers of her own. Monica Balistrere also earned a career-high with 10 points, collecting six rebounds and adding two assists. Nia Blocton posted seven points to go along with with one block and four rebounds in the effort. 

The game began with FSC, quickly finding momentum by capitalizing on turnovers and executing strong inside play. Blocton made key contributions with layups and assists, helping to create a 10-point lead midway through the quarter.

Florida Southern's defense held firm, converting turnovers into points and maintaining an edge in the paint and on fast breaks. Gomes added to the lead with a pair of free throws following a fast break, and Balistrere's layup extended the advantage to 16-4.

Despite a late push from the Chargers, including a 3-pointer by Lili Wilken, Nacoya Blocton responded with a 3-pointer of her own to close the quarter. Florida Southern led 19-11 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw significant momentum for Florida Southern, opening with a strong defensive effort by Gomes who capitalized on two early possessions with a jumper and a fast-break layup. Balistrere contributed with assists and key defensive rebounds, maintaining pressure on the Chargers. Gianna Vos and Gomez Alonso each added points in the paint and from beyond the arc, widening Florida Southern's lead.

Florida Southern's defense was pivotal, forcing multiple turnovers and limiting the Chargers to 12 points in the quarter. The team executed efficiently on offense, with a balanced attack that included a 3-pointer by Emily Ridderstrom in the closing minute. Florida Southern closed the quarter with a commanding 45-23 lead, extending their advantage heading into the next half.

The third quarter began with the Chargers taking control early, converting turnovers into quick points, highlighted by Wilken's layup at 9:04. Despite some early challenges, the Chargers managed to establish a strong presence in the paint, scoring 14 points from that area and generating momentum through their bench, which contributed seven points.

Florida Southern responded with key contributions from Gomes, who scored multiple layups, including one at 5:07 assisted by Gomez Alonso, helping to maintain their offensive rhythm. However, the Chargers' defensive efforts and effective ball movement allowed them to close the quarter with a 21-12 advantage, extending their lead to 57-44 heading into the final quarter.

The Chargers started the fourth quarter with a strong defensive effort, highlighted by a block from Blocton at 9:42. The Mocs responded with a 3-pointer by Balistrere at 8:26, assisted by Gomes, establishing a lead early in the quarter. Gomes continued to impact the game with a layup at 7:43, converting a foul into a three-point play, extending the lead to 63–46.

Despite the Chargers' efforts to close the gap, including a fastbreak layup by Wilken at 5:59, the Mocs maintained their advantage. The Mocs added to their lead with consistent free throw shooting from Lily Randgaard, who added two points with just over two minutes left. Gomes sealed the quarter for the Mocs with a fastbreak layup at 1:08, bringing the score to 76–63. The quarter ended with the Mocs ahead, despite a late layup from the Chargers, concluding the game with a 76–65 victory.

Florida Southern returns to Florida for the home opener as they host Colorado Christian on November 20. The tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.