Women’s Basketball Ends Skid With 68-48 Victory Over Farmingdale

Written by Nick Esposito (SJC-LI Sports Information)

Patchogue, NY| Sophomore Andrea Iavarone went for 23 points and 17 rebounds to record her 10th double-double of the season as the St. Joseph's College (L.I.) women's basketball team ended a five-game losing streak with a 68-48 win over Skyline Conference rival Farmingdale State inside the Danzi Center on Tuesday evening. With the win, the Golden Eagles improve to 4-10 (2-4 Skyline) on the season, while the Rams fall to 5-9 (4-3 Skyline).

Iavarone got the ball rolling in the first half, scoring 13 points off of 5-of-12 shooting, while knocking in two early baskets to help lift the Golden Eagles to a quick 7-2 lead.  Guards Claire Brady and Jennifer Gubell found the powerhouse forward two more times in the post during the latter portion of the quarter to end the first with a home team advantage of 14-11.

The Rams battled back into contention in the second period cutting St. Joseph's lead to one point after Farmingdale connected on a jump shot with 7:59 remaining.  Up 17-16, the Golden Eagles responded with a ferocious 10-0 tear—led by two deep three pointers from Rynese Smith and Caroline Gehring. St. Joseph's continued the pressure throughout the quarter taking a 30-22 lead into intermission.

The Golden Eagles reigned supreme in the second half—out-scoring (38-26), out-rebounding (28-24) and out-assisting (13-2) their opposition.  In the third period, Jackie Zizzo came off the bench and supplied additional offense by scoring six points, including a jumper with 10 seconds remaining in the third to take a 53-40 lead into the final quarter.

St. Joseph's shots continued to drop in the fourth quarter as the Lady Eagles extended their advantage to 24 points at 2:50, their largest lead of the game. The Golden Eagles closed out the game on a 9-0 run to beat the rival Rams 68-48.

Aside from her strong offensive, Iavarone's defensive prowess was superb as she collected game-highs with 17 rebounds and two blocks.  Danielle Gehring supplemented Iavarone's performance by adding a good presence on both sides of the court scoring 12 points and nabbing nine boards.

St. Joseph's fiery offense was commanded by Brady's career- and game-high nine assists.

The Golden Eagles will be on a short break for their next contest, as they face off in a non-conference match against Merchant Marine at home on Thursday at 6:00 p.m.