LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern women's basketball (9-1, 3-0 SSC) put on a dominant all-around performance in a 106–56 win over Erskine College (1-7, 0-2 CC), highlighted by
Sydney Gomes reaching her 1,000-career-point mark with a 21-point day.
Carlota Gomez Alonso led the Mocs with 23 points off the bench. Five FSC players finished in double figures as the Mocs controlled the game from start to finish.
Florida Southern set the tone early in the first quarter, opening with a quick layup by Gomes, assisted by
Gianna Vos. Following a series of turnovers by Erskine, the Mocs capitalized with back-to-back 3-pointers from Gomes and
Monica Balistrere, establishing an 8-point lead.
The Mocs maintained pressure, forcing 11 turnovers and converting them into 20 points. Gomes continued to impact the game with a steal and layup, extending the lead. The home team showcased strong defensive rebounding, securing four offensive boards and adding seven second-chance points.
Closing the quarter, Florida Southern widened the gap with a balanced attack, including a 3-pointer from Gomez Alonso and a buzzer-beating layup. The quarter concluded with the Moccasins leading 32–18.
The Mocs took control early in the second quarter, with Gomez Alonso hitting back-to-back 3-pointers, pushing the home team ahead. Gomes added to this momentum with a successful 3-pointer, contributing to Florida Southern's dominance from beyond the arc.
Vos and Balistrere continued the scoring surge, each contributing key baskets. Defensive efforts were marked by five blocks, including a crucial block by Vos, limiting Erskine's scoring opportunities. The quarter ended with the Moccasins extending their lead to 64-34, demonstrating a strong advantage going into the second half.
In the third quarter, FSC opened with an effective offensive display, highlighted by
Lily Pereira's swift layup facilitated by
Nia Blocton. Balistrere then added a crucial 3-pointer to extend the lead early. Continued defensive rebounds from Balistrere and Gomes helped maintain momentum, while the team's paint presence accounted for 12 points.
Midway through the quarter, Florida Southern capitalized on turnovers and bench contributions, with Gomez Alonso converting free throws at the 5-minute mark. Despite a series of turnovers, the home team's defensive rebounding limited Erskine's second-chance opportunities, keeping the game in control.
Ending the quarter, the Mocs sustained their lead through strategic fast breaks and assists, with
Nacoya Blocton and Gomez Alonso adding to the scoring drive. The quarter closed with a commanding 87-49 lead for Florida Southern, showcasing a balanced attack and robust defense.
In the fourth quarter, Florida Southern maintained control, capitalizing on turnovers and dominating the paint with 10 points.
Dakota Daniello contributed a fast-break layup, and
Lily Randgaard, with a steal and an assist, helped push the score further. The Mocs' bench added significant points, with 15 coming from reserves. Erskine struggled with shooting efficiency, managing only two baskets out of 14 attempts. The quarter concluded with Florida Southern extending their lead, securing the 106-56 victory.
Gomez Alonso scored 23 points, hitting four 3-pointers and converting 5 of 5 free throws. Gomes added 21 points, with three 3-pointers and recorded five assists. Randgaard finished with 12 points, perfect from the free-throw line with 6 of 6, and collected six rebounds. Blocton posted two blocks and contributed 11 points, including one 3-pointer. The Mocs also controlled the boards, out-rebounding the Fleet 54-26, while securing 24 points on fast breaks.
In their next game, Florida Southern will face Palm Beach Atlantic on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 2 p.m. as the home team.
