LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern women's basketball (8-1, 3-0 SSC) dominantly opened the Mocs Christmas Classic, pulling away for a 70–49 victory over Southern Wesleyan (2-9, 1-4 CC). The win was fueled by double-doubles from
Sydney Gomes and
Carlota Gomez Alonso, as Gomes also reached a significant career milestone by surpassing 500 rebounds to become the 25th Moccasin to hit this milestone.
Florida Southern started the first quarter strong, quickly establishing control with effective scoring in transition. Gomes led the charge with a fast-break layup, assisted by
Lily Pereira, at 8:51, setting the tone early. The team capitalized on turnovers, converting them into fast-break opportunities, while maintaining a defensive edge that limited the Warriors to just four baskets.
The home team dominated the paint, outscoring the visitors 16–4 in that area, and extended their lead through a series of successful free throws by Gomez Alonso at the 4:45 mark. FSC's bench contributed effectively, adding 10 points to the total, while the defense kept Southern Wesleyan scoreless from the free-throw line. The quarter closed with a commanding lead for the Moccasins, 25–9.
Florida Southern maintained their lead in the second quarter, with
Monica Balistrere and Gomes providing key contributions. Balistrere opened scoring with a jumper assisted by
Nia Blocton, and Gomes added to the momentum with a layup midway through the quarter. The Mocs capitalized on their opportunities at the free-throw line, where Gomez Alonso converted multiple chances, helping to maintain their scoring edge.
Despite Southern Wesleyan's efforts to close the gap, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Savanna Nicholson, Florida Southern's defensive efforts, including a block and a steal by
Lily Randgaard, limited the visitors' scoring chances. The quarter ended with Florida Southern holding a 37–22 advantage.
FSC started the third quarter by maintaining momentum with a strong defensive play, including a block by Gomes at 8:23. This was followed by
Gianna Vos sinking two free throws at 7:43, helping to stabilize the lead. Key contributions came from Gomes, who scored back-to-back layups, and Pereira, who added a 3-pointer at 1:11, extending the lead.
Throughout the quarter, Florida Southern capitalized on turnovers, converting one into a fastbreak layup by
Nia Blocton at 5:29, assisted by Vos. The team outscored Southern Wesleyan 18–15 in the quarter, closing with a 55–37 advantage heading into the final quarter.
Florida Southern began the fourth quarter with momentum, as Gomes capitalized on a defensive steal to hit a 3-pointer, assisted by Balistrere, extending their lead early. The home team continued to control the pace, with Gomes contributing both offensively and defensively, including another timely steal. FSC's defensive efforts were highlighted by four steals, which limited the Warriors' opportunities and maintained a solid lead.
As the quarter progressed, the Moccasins' offense, led by Randgaard and
Nia Blocton, increased the lead with efficient scoring in the paint. Vos also added to the scoring with a layup, capitalizing on turnovers by their opponents. Despite some scoring by the Warriors, Florida Southern's consistent efforts on both ends of the court allowed them to maintain control.
The quarter concluded with the Mocs securing a 15–12 advantage in the fourth quarter, resulting in a final score of 70–49.
Gomes led the way with 23 points, adding 10 rebounds and five steals. Gomez Alonso contributed 14 points, converting 10 of 12 free throws, and secured 10 rebounds. Pereira recorded nine points, including two 3-pointers, and collected eight rebounds. Vos added eight points and registered three rebounds. The Moccasins capitalized on 19 second-chance points and out-rebounded the Warriors 51-34.
In their next matchup, Florida Southern College will host Erskine on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m.
