LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern College women's basketball (17-5, 11-4 SSC) delivered a statement win at Jenkins Field House, defeating Eckerd (18-5, 13-3 SSC), 69-53, behind a dominant 24-point third quarter to seize control in SSC action.
Sydney Gomes led the way with a career-high 32 points, powering the Mocs offensively as Florida Southern maintained command down the stretch to secure the conference victory.
Florida Southern began the first quarter strongly, with
Monica Balistrere scoring early with a layup at 9:35 and continuing to exert influence on both ends of the court. Balistrere added a tip-in shortly thereafter, contributing to the home team's effective play in the paint, where they scored a total of eight points.
Gianna Vos capitalized on a fast break with a 3-pointer at 6:57, assisted by Gomes, which further extended the lead.
The momentum continued as Florida Southern's defense limited the Tritons' opportunities, allowing just nine points in the quarter. Balistrere's defensive rebound and subsequent 3-pointer at 3:51 highlighted the team's control over the game. Gomes capitalized on a defensive stop with a layup at 1:19, and
Lily Pereira closed the quarter with a jumper at the buzzer. Florida Southern led 19-9 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter commenced with the Mocs maintaining their edge, as
Lily Randgaard contributed significantly with a pair of free throws and a fast-break 3-pointer, assisted by Gomes. Florida Southern's defense remained resilient, with Randgaard also posting a crucial block early in the quarter.
Midway through, Vos added to the home team's tally with a layup, extending the Moccasins' lead. However, the Tritons responded with a series of successful buckets, cutting into the deficit. Despite Eckerd's late push, Florida Southern closed the quarter retaining the lead at 32–24.
FSC extended their lead significantly in the third quarter, capitalizing on efficient shooting and strong defensive efforts. Gomes spearheaded the effort with multiple key baskets, including two 3-pointers and several layups, contributing to the team's 14 points in the paint. Balistrere added to the momentum with timely layups, while Pereira facilitated defensive plays with a crucial steal early in the quarter.
The home team outscored Eckerd 24–11 throughout the quarter, thanks to a 9-for-13 shooting performance, including 2-for-5 from beyond the arc. Florida Southern also forced three turnovers and limited the Tritons to just four successful field goals. The quarter concluded with FSC leading 56–35, maintaining a comfortable margin heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Gomes opened scoring for the Moccasins with a jumper at 7:40, maintaining a strong lead against the Tritons. Gomes then extended the advantage with a 3-pointer at 4:59, assisted by
Nia Blocton. Despite Eckerd's attempts to close the gap with shots including a 3-pointer by Lisa Michaelsen, the Mocs' defense and timely scoring maintained control.
Randgaard capitalized on free throws at 1:41, and Gomes secured the victory with another pair of free throws at 1:26. Pereira added a layup with 50 seconds remaining, solidifying the lead. Fla. Southern closed the quarter leading 69–53, successfully maintaining their advantage through consistent scoring and defensive efforts.
Gomes led the team with 32 points, converting 12 of 17 baskets from the field, including three 3-pointers, and added five assists and eight rebounds. Randgaard contributed defensively with four blocks and secured seven rebounds. Balistrere posted 14 points while collecting seven rebounds. Vos scored eight points, making three of seven shots, and recorded a block and a steal.
In their next game, FSC will face RV Embry-Riddle on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. Florida Southern will be the away team as they look to secure a victory on the road.
