Golden Eagles Befall New Rochelle Blue Angels, 57-52

Patchogue, N.Y.- St. Joseph's College women's basketball team (2-4, 0-0 SKY) toppled the College of New Rochelle Blue Angels (5-2) in a close 57-52 victory, ending the road team's three-game winning streak.  Throughout the contest, the Golden Eagles played stout defense that was led by sophomore guard Rynese Smith (Greenpoint, N.Y. / Bellport), who anchored SJC's defense nabbing nine rebounds, five steals, and a block. 

The Golden Eagles opened the first half strong, scoring the initial points of the game off a Teddi Petre (Ronkonkoma, N.Y. / Connetquot) layup, followed by a successful baseline drive from Smith .

The Lady Eagles would go on to build a 14-7 lead, but the Blue Angels would keep the game close shooting their way back in the game off a 43.5 field goal percentage.

SJC held a 30-25 lead with seconds ticking in the first half; however, due to an errant SJC foul, the Blue Angels were able to convert on a time-expiring "and-one" to cut the Eagles lead to 30-28.

SJC applied high-pressure the entire first half forcing 11 Blue Angel turnovers while tallying a season-high seven first half steals.

Entering the second period, the Golden Eagles displayed explosive offense going on a 13-3 run through nine minutes of play, but similar to the first half, the Blue Angels would respond by going on their own 20-8 run. 

With 1:19 remaining on the clock the Lady Eagles held a 52-51 lead, however, 14 seconds later, freshman guard Jennifer Gubell (Levittown, N.Y. / MacArthur) would spot up and hit a crucial contested jump shot to lift SJC up to 51-54.

Following Gubell's shot, a late free throw from Petre and sophomore guard Meaghan Haber (East Northport, N.Y./ Harborfields) would seal the Golden Eagle victory.

On the night, Grubell led St. Joseph's with 12 points, forward Andrea Iavarone (Miller Place, N.Y. / Miller Place) added 11 points and nine rebounds, while Petre accumulated six points, four rebounds, and six assists.

St. Joseph's will look to carry their momentum into next week's non-conference game as the team travels to Kings Point, N.Y. to battle against the Merchant Marine Mariners (1-3) on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.