Photo: Courtesy of Mike Parsons, Eastern Florida State College

MELBOURNE, Fla. – Santa Fe Women's Basketball played in the opening game of the Florida JUCO Shootout, hosted by Eastern Florida State College, and picked up their opening win of the 2021-2022 season in a 68-54 result over Indian River State College.

Santa Fe led for most of the way and stifled the Pioneers' offense on the way to the victory. Here's how it played out on the neutral court.

First Quarter – SF 15, IRSC 13

Olivia Smith had six quick first quarter points for the Saints.

The score sat tied at 8-8 when the next four points came from SF, after baskets in the paint from Sara Pedraza-Cupido and Keliyah Johnson, respectively.

Although Indian River had the quarter's final basket, SF led by two after the game's first ten minutes of play.

Second Quarter – SF 32, IRSC 28

The Pioneers regained a lead, 18-17, and extended it to 19-17 after a free-throw with seven minutes remaining in the half.

SF proceeded to go on an 8-0 run, however, holding IRSC scoreless for over four minutes of play to establish a 25-19 edge.

The Pioneers responded well to regain a lead once again, but the Saints ended the half with a six-point flurry to head into the locker room with a lead. Isabella Reynolds had two baskets inside, and Aleisha Curry scored with just a few seconds remaining.

Curry already had a double-double at the break, enforcing her will on the interior.

Third Quarter – SF 48, IRSC 36

When leading 34-32 in the second half's early moments, SF produced nine unanswered points to go in front 43-32. Indian River once again had a scoring drought against the Saints defense that lasted for nearly five minutes of action.

The double-digit lead held until the conclusion of the quarter, and the Saints were in control.

Fourth Quarter – SF 68, IRSC 54

SF"s lead grew to as large as 16 points, 54-38, after two free throws from Taniah Bowers with just under nine minutes on the clock.

Indian River never got any closer than nine points the rest of the way, as the Saints took care of the ball down the stretch, continued their strong defensive play, and made enough free-throws in the waning moments of the season's first win.

Key Statistics (Unofficial)

Curry had her second-consecutive big double-double to begin the season, finishing with 16 points and 16 rebounds on 5-of-7 shooting. She was active defensively as well, recording two blocks and four steals.

Bowers had 13 points to go along with seven rebounds, while Reynolds contributed 11 points on 5-of-10 from the floor. Guards Pedraza-Cupido (nine points, seven rebounds) and Malea Brown (eight points, six rebounds) made significant contributions as well.

Over half of the Saints' points, 36, came from inside the paint.

The rebounding battle was clearly in favor of SF, 60-43.

Up Next

Santa Fe (1-1, 0-0 Central) has a quick turnaround for another JUCO Shootout matchup with Gulf Coast State College on Saturday, Nov. 6. The game will tipoff at approximately 3:00 p.m. at Eastern Florida State College.