Merchant Marines Sail Past W. Basketball, 62-55

King's Point, N.Y. - Despite Rynese Smith (Greenpoint, N.Y. / Bellport), Jackie Zizzo (Bethpage, N.Y. / Bethpage), and Andrea Iavarone (Miller Place, N.Y. / Miller Place) all scoring in double-digits, the Lady Eagles lost  in a non-conference matchup against the U. S. Merchant Marine Mariners (2-4), 62-55, at Liebertz Gym.

The Golden Eagles had a sluggish start to the first period as USMMA amassed a 6-2 lead five minutes into the contest.

Meghan Haber (East Northport, N.Y. / Harborfields) would get the ball rolling for St. Joseph's as she connected on a three-pointer, followed by two free throws to lift the score to 7-6, favoring the Eagles.

Later in the period at 7:52, the Golden Eagles would explode for an 8-0 run, this time led by a Zizzo three-pointer, which came after the Lady Eagles were down 11-13.  During this stretch, St. Joseph's College grabbed a five-point lead over the Mariners, their largest of the night.  

Following the half, the Eagles would lose their stride, allowing the Mariners offense to march over them, as USMMA went on an 18-4 run.

SJC showed persistence as they were able to shoot their way back into the game, cutting the Mariner's lead to six points with 1:55 remaining.

St. Joseph's had a chance to cut the deficit to two points, but a missed three-pointer by Haber ended the Eagles chances.

Smith recorded a team-high 16 points and game-high in steals with four.  Zizzo tallied 14 points and Ivarone finished with 11 points and supplemented her scoring with stunning defense by ripping down seven boards and a game-high five blocks.

The Golden Eagles' next opponent will be a non-conference affair against Lehman College (5-2) in the Bronx next Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.