BOCA RATON, Fla. — Florida Southern women's basketball (7-1, 3-0 SSC) defeated Lynn University (7-3, 2-2 SSC), 83-57, at the de Hoernle Sports & Cultural Center with a decisive 13 steals that led to 22 points off turnovers. The Moccasin's strong performance in the paint contributed 42 points, helping secure the road victory at first win over the Fighting Knights under head coach
Megan Dzikas '12.
FSC started with a strong offensive showing in the first quarter, quickly establishing momentum through effective shooting.
Lily Pereira initiated the scoring with a layup, followed by
Monica Balistrere and
Sydney Gomes contributing with 3-pointers, pushing the visitors to an early 10–3 lead. The team capitalized on turnovers, converting them into points while limiting the Fighting Knights' scoring opportunities.
The visitors maintained their offensive pressure, with Pereira and Balistrere each sinking additional 3-pointers to extend the lead.
Nia Blocton added to the advantage with a layup and a free throw, further increasing the gap. FSC's defense proved strong, forcing Lynn into turnovers and difficult shots. As the quarter closed, a 3-pointer by
Carlota Gomez Alonso sealed a 25–15 lead for Florida Southern College.
Florida Southern took control in the second quarter with a significant scoring run, highlighted by a 15-point lead as they outpaced the Fighting Knights in key areas. Blocton initiated the momentum with a layup and a tip-in, contributing to an early push.
Emily Ridderstrom's 3-pointer at 4:48 extended the lead, while Gomes added four points from the free-throw line.
Defensively, the Moccasins forced eight turnovers, capitalizing on Lynn's missteps, and secured five steals. The team maintained the pressure, closing the quarter with a layup by
Gianna Vos. At the end of the second quarter, the Moccasins led 49–29.
The third quarter was marked by a solid performance from FSC, who capitalized on defensive stops and effective scoring in the paint. Blocton contributed significantly with two offensive rebounds leading to tip-ins, while Gomes added a fast-break 3-pointer, further extending FSC's control of the game. Despite the Fighting Knights' attempt to rally with three successful 3-pointers, the Mocs maintained their lead, finishing the quarter ahead 64–49.
FSC opened the fourth quarter with a decisive scoring run, highlighted by Gomes and Pereira's key baskets in the paint. Balistrere contributed with assists, while Blocton added defensive stops, including a block and a steal. The Fighting Knights struggled to find their rhythm, allowing the Moccasins to extend their lead.
Gomez Alonso continued to influence the game with effective scoring, including a 3-pointer and back-to-back steals. The Mocs' bench played a pivotal role, adding depth to the team's performance, as they widened the scoring gap. The quarter concluded with Florida Southern leading Lynn 83-57, securing a commanding victory.
Gomez Alonso scored 17 points, converting 6 of 8 field goal attempts and making all three of her 3-point tries. She also added seven rebounds and two steals. Gomes finished with 17 points, hitting three 3-pointers and recording five assists alongside three steals. Pereira tallied 16 points, including two 3-pointers, and collected two steals. Blocton contributed 13 points and posted two blocks while grabbing seven rebounds.
In their next game, Florida Southern will host Southern Wesleyan University on Friday, Dec. 19 at 2 p.m.
