LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern women's basketball put together a dominant performance in Sunshine State Conference play defeating Rollins College (4-3, 0-3 SSC), powered by three double-doubles from
Nia Blocton (12 points, 12 rebounds),
Carlota Gomez Alonso (14 points, 12 rebounds), and
Sydney Gomes (21pts, 18 rbs).Â
Gomes led the way with 21 points and a career-high 18 boards for the Moccasins (6-1, 2-0 SSC). Blocton also notched career highs in both scoring and rebounding as the Mocs controlled the game end-to-end. At halftime, FSC honored its alumni with a special tribute to the 2015–16 Elite Eight team, adding to a memorable afternoon on and off the court.Â
Florida Southern began the game with assertive play, opening the scoring with a free throw by Gomes at 9:41. The team capitalized on strong rebounding, securing 21 total boards, including 8 offensive rebounds, which provided multiple second-chance scoring opportunities.
Gianna Vos contributed a defensive rebound late in the quarter, and
Nia Blocton closed with a successful three-point play to extend the lead.
The Mocs found success from beyond the arc, making three 3-pointers, including one by
Monica Balistrere at 6:41 that shifted momentum. The team also converted points off turnovers, highlighted by a steal and subsequent basket from Gomez Alonso. By the end of the quarter, the Mocs led 19–7.
In the second quarter, Florida Southern took control, opening with a scoring drive that included Vos converting a jumper and a free throw to extend the lead.
Nia Blocton contributed with a layup early on, and Gomes added to the momentum with a jumper, helping the Mocs to pull ahead.
The home team maintained their advantage with Balistrere hitting a key three-pointer with an assist from
Lily Pereira, while the defense stifled the Tars with multiple steals and blocks, limiting them to just two field goals during the quarter. By the end of the quarter, the Mocs led 48–16, capitalizing on consistent scoring and defensive pressure.
FSC maintained their momentum in the third quarter with strategic three-point shooting. Gomes opened with a three-pointer at 9:19, following Rollins' early score. Despite Rollins' attempts to close the gap with consistent scoring in the paint, FSC responded effectively through Gomes and Pereira, who added key three-pointers at 6:31 and 4:51, respectively.
Florida Southern leveraged their offensive rebounds to sustain scoring opportunities, leading to a late three-pointer by
Emily Ridderstrom at 1:23. Rollins matched this intensity with efforts by Grace Craig, but Florida Southern's defense limited second chances. The quarter concluded with the Mocs leading 64-35, extending their advantage.
The final quarter began with FSC maintaining their momentum from previous quarters. A quick offensive surge, highlighted by a layup from Gomez Alonso at 8:40, extended their lead. Florida Southern capitalized on their defensive rebounds and assists, with Gomes contributing a crucial 3-pointer at 4:53, which further solidified their advantage.
The Tars attempted to narrow the gap with timely field goals, but FSC's defense proved resilient, forcing three turnovers. Â Vos sealed the quarter with successful free throws, and Florida Southern closed the game with a 16-13 advantage in the fourth quarter, securing a final score of 80-48.
Gomes led the Mocs with 21 points, converting six of ten attempts from beyond the arc and securing 18 rebounds. Gomez Alonso contributed a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, adding two steals to her performance.
Nia Blocton recorded 12 points, hitting five of eight field goal attempts and collecting 12 rebounds. Vos added 11 points, making five of seven free throws and providing two assists.
Looking ahead, the Mocs will face Lynn on Saturday, Dec. 13. The matchup is set to tip off at 2 p.m.
