ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Fourth-seed Florida Southern College women's basketball (23-6, 15-5 Sunshine State) upset first-seed Eckerd (23-6, 17-3 Sunshine State), 84-70 in the Sunshine State Conference semifinals on Thursday evening. The Moccasins came out of the locker room after halftime with a strong third-quarter performance, outscoring the Tritons 24-15. The Moccasins capitalized on their bench strength, contributing 29 points to secure the victory.
Lily Randgaard scored 23 points, converting 8 of 11 field goals and 5 of 6 from beyond the arc, while also recording three blocks and seven rebounds.
Sydney Gomes added 22 points, making 7 of 12 shots and 6 of 7 free throws, while contributing four assists.
Monica Balistrere tallied 17 points, hitting 7 of 12 from the field, including three 3-pointers, and added three rebounds.
Nia Blocton finished with nine points and seven rebounds, providing steady support on the boards.
Florida Southern began the first quarter with a strong offensive performance, quickly responding to Eckerd's early lead. Gomes initiated the momentum by draining a three-pointer, and Blocton knocked down a jumper to keep the Mocs close. Randgaard's defensive efforts, including two blocks, were pivotal in maintaining the pressure.
As the quarter progressed, Balistrere contributed significantly, scoring a crucial jumper and a pair of three-pointers to push Florida Southern ahead. With solid defensive rebounds from multiple players, the team effectively countered Eckerd's attempts to regain the lead. The Moccasins ended the quarter with an 18-15 advanta
Florida Southern capitalized early in the second quarter with a strong start, as
Carlota Gomez Alonso completed a three-point play at 9:38, followed by
Gianna Vos adding another three-point play at 9:00, extending the team's lead. Randgaard's 3-pointer at 7:53, assisted by
Lily Pereira, maintained momentum, pushing their lead to double digits briefly.
The Tritons attempted to close the gap with scoring contributions from Jaylen Ostenson, who knocked down a three-pointer at 5:54, and a subsequent layup at 3:23, narrowing the lead. However, FSC responded effectively, with Vos finishing at the rim on a fast-break layup at 2:07 to maintain their advantage.
The quarter concluded with Balistrere's timely 3-pointer at the buzzer, assisted by Gomes, ensuring the Mocs closed the quarter ahead, 42-37, maintaining a narrow lead into the halftime break.
Florida Southern opened the third quarter with a strong offensive effort, highlighted by Gomes scoring multiple times in the paint. Balistrere contributed defensively with a key steal, which led to an extended scoring run. The Mocs outscored Eckerd 24-15 in the quarter, demonstrating efficiency with 8 of 14 field goals, including successful free throws by Gomes.
The team maintained a solid defense, keeping the Tritons' shooting percentage low and controlling the boards with 13 rebounds. The Moccasins closed the quarter leading 66-52, setting a confident pace heading into the final quarter.
FSC opened the fourth quarter with a balanced scoring effort, maintaining its lead with effective perimeter shooting.
Lily Randgaard contributed significantly with key 3-pointers, including a notable shot at 1:55, assisted by Gomes, that helped to keep Eckerd at bay. The team's defense also held strong, with Randgaard recording a crucial block at 1:42, preventing any potential scoring surge from the opposition.
Despite Eckerd's attempts to close the gap, FSC matched its opponent's scoring output for the quarter, each team adding 18 points. Florida Southern's bench played a pivotal role, contributing 14 points, which helped sustain its lead. The game concluded with the Moccasins maintaining their advantage, finishing with a score of 84-70.
Florida Southern advances to the SSC championship game the first time since 2022. They will travel to Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, March 8 to face the third-seed Nova Southeastern. Tip off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
