MIAMI SHORES, Fla. - Sydney Gomes delivered a record-breaking performance, dishing out 15 assists to set a new single-game program record, the most by a Moc since 1994 when the previous mark of 14 was recorded, while also tying her career high with six steals.
Behind that historic effort, Florida Southern women's basketball (20-6, 14-5 SSC) rolled to a commanding 97-58 victory over Barry University (7-19, 4-15 SSC). The Mocs knocked down 14 three-pointers and dominated the boards with a 41-19 rebounding advantage.
Monica Balistrere added a career-high 26 points, shooting 11 of 17 from the field and hitting four three-pointers to pace the offense. Carlota Gomez Alonso contributed 16 points and four steals, while Lily Randgaard chipped in 15 points and was perfect from beyond the arc, making all three of her attempts.
Earlier in the day, NCAA Division II announced that Florida Southern College climbed to No. 10 in the latest regional rankings.
Florida Southern began the game assertively, capitalizing on the Bucs' turnovers to quickly establish a lead. Nia Blocton opened the scoring with a fast break layup, assisted by Balistrere, setting the pace for an effective offensive performance. Lily Pereira contributed significantly, scoring multiple times in the paint to maintain momentum.
The Buccaneers responded with a trio of 3-pointers, narrowing the gap midway through the quarter. However, the Mocs' defense remained resilient, forcing nine turnovers and converting them into 13 points. Gianna Vos and Balistrere each added crucial baskets to extend the lead. As the quarter closed, FSC held a five-point advantage, leading 21–16, thanks to Balistrere's last-second layup.
The Moccasins opened the second quarter with a decisive scoring surge, highlighted by Gomes' fastbreak layup at 6:49 and her subsequent assist to Balistrere for a 3-pointer at 6:24. The team capitalized on turnovers, with Gomez Alonso converting a steal into points at 4:18, extending the lead. FSC's defense forced Barry into seven turnovers, contributing to a 27-point quarter. The quarter closed with the Mocs maintaining momentum, as Randgaard hit a 3-pointer with 10 seconds remaining, assisted by Gomes. Florida Southern led 48–29 at halftime.
FSC began the third quarter with a strong offensive push, highlighted by Vos's layup to open scoring. Blocton contributed significantly with a layup and an assist for a 3-pointer by Balistrere, extending the lead early on. Throughout the quarter, the Mocs capitalized on turnovers, with Gomes stealing the ball twice and aiding in fast-break points. Vos and Pereira added to the scoring with key 3-pointers, while the team maintained defensive pressure. FSC closed the quarter by sustaining its scoring rhythm, with Gomez Alonso hitting a late 3-pointer. The quarter ended with Florida Southern leading 74–45, further extending their advantage.
The Moccasins opened the fourth quarter with a strong offensive push, highlighted by Vos' layup and Balistrere's jumper, extending their lead early. The team capitalized on fast breaks and paint presence, with Randgaard contributing a 3-pointer at 7:28. Gomes played a pivotal role in facilitating, providing key assists during this stretch. Continuing their momentum, Florida Southern's defense remained firm, with Nacoya Blocton recording a crucial block. The team also excelled in shooting from beyond the arc, with Gomez Alonso and Balistrere each making 3-pointers. The quarter concluded with Dakota Daniello's fast-break jumper, solidifying FSC's position. Florida Southern closed the game with a 97–58 victory over the Buccaneers.
Looking ahead, Florida Southern will face Nova Southeastern on Saturday, Feb. 28. The home matchup is set to tip off at 4 p.m. with senior day prior to tip off.
