Women's Basketball Earns 61-54 Win over Palm Beach State
January 30, 2021

Women's Basketball Earns 61-54 Win over Palm Beach State

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Santa Fe women's basketball started fast against Palm Beach State College, going on to claim the season's first win, 61-54.
 
The Saints raced out to a 14-2 lead in the opening minutes, with the teams' first five points coming from Zoé Alexander. Four other players got into the scoring column as well to establish the double-digit advantage early.
 
The Panthers outcored Santa Fe 7-6 from that point on to conclude the quarter, but Lauren Carmona's three-pointer seconds before the horn bounced off the front rim and in to put the Saints' lead at 20-9.
 
In the second quarter, SF's lead reached its high at 17 points, 27-10, on the strength of a 7-1 run to begin the frame. Carla Soto canned a three-pointer and Ashley Duviella had two baskets inside during the stretch of play. 
 
Although Palm Beach State was able to chip into the deficit, the Saints still maintained an 11-point lead, 33-22, at the halftime whistle.
 
The two sides went back-and-forth in the third quarter, and the 11-point advantage remained for Santa Fe headed into the fourth, 44-33.
 
Santa Fe led 57-46 about halfway through the final period, when Palm Beach State went on a 7-0 spurt to draw within four points, 57-53 in the final minute. 
 
A driving right-handed finish from Taniah Bowers with 34 seconds on the clock, however, halted to Panther's surge. 
 
After getting a defensive stop, the Saints preserved the season's first win by securing the ball and hitting from the free-throw line. 
 
Alexander tied for a game-high with 13 points to go along with ten rebounds to notch the double-double for the Saints. Bowerswas also in double-figures and contributed in a variety of ways with a final unofficial line of 13 points, five assists, four rebounds, and four steals.
 
Soto sunk three triples for the Saints and finished with 11 points off the bench, Kelli Cunningham accounted for nine points, and Duviella contributed eight points and six rebounds.
 
Coach Stebbins' Take
"I was pleased with our energy and how we responded, especially with it being our second game in less than 24 hours," said Head Coach Chanda Stebbins. "The guards did a good job attacking the basket, and it's great to get the first win as we move forward and keep striving to improve."
 
Up Next
The Saints will travel to play Miami Dade College for a second time this season on Friday, Feb. 5. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. 

 

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