Women's Basketball Drops 61-54 Decision to CMSV

Written by Nick Esposito (SJC-LI Sports Information)

Patchogue, NY | St. Joseph's College women's basketball nearly completed a tough comeback against conference foe Mount Saint Vincent, as forward Andrea Iavarone exploded for 22 points—including an 8 point fourth quarter—to lose 61-54 Saturday afternoon at the Danzi Center. The Golden Eagles' loss skids the team to a three game losing streak, dropping their record to 6-15 (3-11 Skyline), while the Dolphins improve to 13-8 (10-3 Skyline).

Both teams came out slugging in the first quarter, exchanging shot-for-shot. Iavarone was a force in the paint connecting on four layups in the first, which enabled a close game going into the second with the away team up 16-15.

Mount Saint Vincent's owned the second quarter, totaling up 20 points compared to St. Joseph's 7.  At 4:20, the Dolphins mustered up a 12-0 run to take a 36-22 lead heading into intermission. 

The Golden Eagles returned to form after breakage time as they continued to trade blows with the visitors. Rynese Smith locked in and connected from the distance and added two made free throws to supplement Iavarone's post game in the period. However, the Dolphins looked to put the dagger in to the Golden Eagles' when they hit a late three-pointer with time expiring to take a 50-34 advantage into the fourth. 

Down, but not out, the Golden Eagles were golden in the fourth outscoring their opposition 20-11. Led by Iavarone's heroics, St. Joseph's poured on a 13-4 run to cut the deficit to 5 points (the lowest since the first quarter) at 4:16. Mount Saint Vincent would go on to hit late jump shots and free throws to hand St. Joseph's a 61-54 defeat. 

Iavarone added a team-high seven rebounds and a steal to her fiery offensive showcase against the Dolphins.

Danielle Gehring (8), Smith (6), and Claire Brady (6) were St. Joseph's secondary scorers in the match.

The Golden Eagles will look to end their losing skid against Skyline Conference rival Farmingdale State as the team prepares to hit the road for a Thursday (Feb. 11) evening match at 6:00 PM