LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern College (4-1) dominated the University of Puerto Rico at Bayamon (0-3), 104-49, at Jenkins Field House, fueled by 62 rebounds and 50 bench points.
Carlota Gomez Alonso hauled in the program's most rebounds since 2011-12,
Sydney Gomes recorded her third career triple-double, and five Moccasins posted career highs in a standout performance for the Moccasins.
With the most boards since 2011, Gomez Alonso earn both a career high in rebounds (17) and points (23), followed by Gomes career high of 14 boards.
Monica Balistrere also collects a career high of 13 points along with
Dakota Daniello with nine points, and
Nia Blocton with double figure boards coming down with a career high of 11.
Florida Southern began the opening quarter with a strong start, quickly establishing momentum through a series of layups and a three-point play, initiated by
Gianna Vos' steal and score within the first minute. The home team effectively capitalized on the Cowgirls' turnovers, leading to fast-break points and assisted baskets, maintaining a steady offensive rhythm throughout the quarter.
The team extended their lead with precise shooting, including five successful 3-pointers, and demonstrated defensive tenacity by forcing six turnovers and allowing only four baskets from the opposition. Florida Southern closed the quarter with a commanding lead, 32–8, setting a decisive tone early in the game.
Florida Southern began the second quarter by capitalizing on turnovers, with Gomez Alonso's fast-break layup setting the tone early. The home team extended their lead with a balanced scoring attack, including a notable 3-pointer by
Monica Balistrere, assisted by Gomes, at the 5:47 mark. The Mocs controlled the paint with 12 points and outpaced P.R.-Bayamon in fast breaks, adding six points in transition.
As the quarter progressed, Florida Southern continued to build momentum with a strong defensive presence, forcing four turnovers and securing 15 rebounds. Gomez Alonso capped the quarter with a 3-pointer, pushing the lead to a commanding margin. The quarter concluded with Florida Southern leading 56-26, maintaining a comfortable advantage going into the second half.
Florida Southern began the third quarter with a strong defensive presence, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities. Vos contributed a key jumper, while Gomes and
Lily Pereira connected on a series of timely 3-pointers, extending the lead. The Mocs' defense was effective, limiting the Cowgirls' second-chance points and maintaining control of the paint.
The quarter continued with Florida Southern executing efficient ball movement, leading to five assists and capitalizing on offensive rebounds.
Emily Ridderstrom and Gomez Alonso added to the scoring with consecutive plays, closing the quarter on a high note. Florida Southern ended the third quarter leading 78–41.
In the fourth quarter, Florida Southern extended its control over the game with a strong offensive and defensive display. The team scored consistently, highlighted by Daniello's key layups and 3-point shot, while Gomez Alonso contributed with a crucial 3-pointer and several successful plays in the paint. Florida Southern's defense limited the Cowgirls to just eight points in the quarter, effectively shutting down their offensive efforts with three steals and solid defensive rebounding.
Florida Southern's performance was bolstered by their bench scoring 24 points, outpacing the visitors significantly. The team capitalized on fast breaks and second-chance opportunities, adding eight fast-break points and seven second-chance points. The quarter ended with Florida Southern leading comfortably, closing the game with a 104–49 victory.
Gomez Alonso scored 23 points and collected 17 rebounds, leading the team in both categories. Gomes recorded a triple-double with 16 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, and five steals. Vos contributed 13 points and made two steals, while Blocton added 11 rebounds to the team's total.
Florida Southern returns to action next week when they jump into Sunshine State Conference, heading to take on Saint Leo. The tip off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
