LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern College women's basketball (2-1, 0-0 Sunshine State) defeated Colorado Christian University (1-3, 0-0 RMAC), 87-50, at Jenkins Field House. The Moccasins had a 42-23 advantage in rebounds and 36 points in the paint, with FSC's bench contributing 33 points, helping to secure the decisive victory.
"This was a great team win and a really balanced effort," started head coach
Megan Dzikas '12. "It's nice to get contributions from everyone. Ecstatic for
Lily Pereira, who had an outstanding game for us tonight, was all over the court, and a stat filler tonight. Happy to get the home opener night quality win over a quality opponent in Colorado Christian."
Florida Southern began the first quarter with efficient scoring, opening with a 7–0 run highlighted by
Sydney Gomes' 3-pointer at 8:38, assisted by
Nia Blocton.
Gianna Vos and
Lily Pereira added key layups, contributing to a strong start. Despite some turnovers, the team maintained control with effective rebounding, recording 10 total boards.
CCU responded with scoring attempts, narrowing the gap with a 3-pointer by Elise Grosdidier at 1:10, but consistent free-throw shooting by
Carlota Gomez Alonso and
Emily Ridderstrom in the final minute ensured FSC closed the quarter ahead. The home team led 17–13 at the end of the first quarter.
Florida Southern opened the second quarter with a strong start, immediately extending their lead through effective play in the paint. Pereira drove a layup at 9:03, followed by a fast-break jumper, contributing to a 14-point effort in the paint for the quarter.
The Mocs maintained momentum with Blocton's defensive block and a series of assists, including a key fast-break layup assisted by Gomes. Vos added a 3-pointer at 7:16, widening the gap further.
FSC capitalized on turnovers by CCU, converting them into points with a steal by Blocton leading to a layup by Vos. The team continued to press, extending their lead with a 3-pointer from Gomez Alonso and closing the quarter with a 3-pointer by Gomes. The quarter ended with Florida Southern ahead, 43-22.
The Moccasins opened the third quarter with significant offensive momentum, marked by Pereira's early layup following an offensive rebound. This set the tone for a quarter in which Florida Southern connected on nine field goals, including three from beyond the arc. The team's ability to capitalize on turnovers and dominate the boards was evident, as they secured four offensive rebounds that contributed to second-chance points.
Gomez Alonso's scoring from the perimeter and at the free-throw line further extended FSC's lead. Defensively, the Moccasins limited Colorado Christian's opportunities, forcing turnovers and securing defensive rebounds. The quarter concluded with Florida Southern maintaining a strong lead, finishing 69-36 after three.
Florida Southern began the fourth quarter by maintaining their lead, capitalizing on turnovers and fast breaks. Vos scored an early layup at 8:50, assisted by Gomez Alonso. The home team continued to build momentum with effective free-throw shooting, including two successful attempts by Pereira at 8:19, extending their lead.
Dakota Daniello contributed with a layup at 4:33, as the Moccasins capitalized on defensive stops and turnovers to maintain control.
Nacoya Blocton added to the scoreboard with a fast break layup and converted the free throw at 5:15. Despite a few scoring attempts by CCU, FSC's consistent offensive efforts, highlighted by
Arantxa Concepcion's layup at 2:25, secured the home team's advantage.
The quarter concluded with Florida Southern leading, as they effectively managed the clock and their possessions, closing out the game with a final score of 87-50 in the first meeting between the two teams.Â
Pereira led the team with 22 points, a new career high, converting 9 of 10 field goals and adding four rebounds. Gomez Alonso contributed 14 points, sinking two 3-pointers and collecting six rebounds. Gomes added 12 points, including three 3-pointers, and recorded five assists.
Nia Blocton posted five assists and tallied three steals, contributing defensively despite fouling out.
Looking ahead, the Moccasins will host Lake Erie on Friday, Nov. 28, at 2 p.m. in Lakeland, Florida, as part of the Mocs Thanksgiving Classic.Â
