HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Florida Southern women's basketball (23-8, 15-5 SSC) saw it's incredible season come to an end in the DII South Regional, falling to RV Union (TN) (25-9, 16-6 GSC), 84-69, at the SportsMED Arena in Spragins Hall.
Sydney Gomes led the team with 18 points, converting three 3-pointers and adding three assists.
Carlota Gomez Alonso contributed 15 points on 5-for-7 shooting and recorded two steals.
Nia Blocton posted a double-double, scoring nine points and collecting 11 rebounds while blocking two shots.
Lily Randgaard added nine points and collected eight rebounds.FSC secured 42 rebounds and scored 34 points in the paint in the neutral site matchup.
The first quarter began with Florida Southern establishing its presence early as Gomes scored a layup to cut into Union's initial lead. Gomes later contributed a 3-pointer, assisted by
Lily Pereira, to keep the visitors competitive.
Monica Balistrere's defensive efforts included a crucial steal, maintaining pressure on Union. Despite these efforts, the Bulldogs pulled ahead with consistent shooting from beyond the arc, including a momentum-building fast-break 3-pointer by Courtney Zensen. The Moccasins' offensive rebounds, particularly from Blocton, kept it in contention, but the quarter ended with Union leading 19-10.
In the second quarter, FSC initially struggled to maintain pace with Union , as the Bulldogs Olivia Lee made key plays, including a layup and a 3-pointer, which widened the gap. However, Florida Southern capitalized on turnovers, with
Emily Ridderstrom converting two fast-break layups, narrowing the deficit. Despite the Moccasins' efforts, including a late layup by Ridderstrom, The Bulldogs responded with a strong close, highlighted by Nora Saffell's jumper at the buzzer. The quarter ended with Union holding a 41–26 lead over FSC.
The Mocs initiated the third quarter with Blocton's layup, setting the pace for a steady offensive run. Gomes and Balistrere contributed with crucial baskets inside the paint, while Pereira's block showcased solid defense. Despite turnovers, Florida Southern managed to maintain composure with timely rebounds. Gomes played a pivotal role, hitting two 3-pointers and a layup to keep the scoring competitive. The Moccasins also capitalized on a couple of fast-break opportunities, narrowing the gap. The quarter concluded with FSC slightly outscoring Union (TN) 19-18, bringing the score to 59-45 in favor of Union.
In the fourth quarter, Florida Southern initiated a strong offensive with a 3-pointer from Gomez Alonso at 7:58, assisted by
Gianna Vos, narrowing the gap. Randgaard contributed significantly with a layup, free throw, and a defensive rebound, maintaining momentum and keeping the team competitive. Despite a resilient effort, including a key 3-pointer by Pereira at 5:39 and a series of successful free throws from Gomez Alonso, Florida Southern couldn't close the deficit entirely. The quarter ended with the Mocs scoring 24 points to Union's 25, resulting in a final score of 84-69 in favor of Union.
The 2025-26 campaign marked a season of milestones, resilience, and statement victories for Florida Southern. From a 10-game win streak to a run to the Sunshine State Conference Championship game, the Moccasins reestablished themselves among the South Region's elite. Behind SSC Player of the Year Sydney Gomes and a balanced, battle-tested roster, FSC earned its 19th NCAA Tournament berth and proved it belongs on the regional stage.
The Moccasins close the year at 23-7 overall, with momentum, experience, and championship aspirations carrying forward into the future.
