SNEED AND THE SAINTS OPEN MFC PLAY WITH A WIN OVER CFCC, 64-61

January 7, 2010

For Immediate Release January 6, 2010 Contact: Scott Jamison 352-395-5616 scott.jamison@sfcollege.edu

SF WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

SAINTS OPEN MFC PLAY WITH ROAD WIN AGAINST CFCC, 64-61

Ocala, FL – The FCCAA #9 Santa Fe Saints (12-5, 1-0 MFC) led for all 40 minutes Wednesday night against FCCAA #6 Central Florida Community College (12-7, 0-1 MFC), jumping out to an 8-0 lead seven minutes into the game before holding on down the stretch to start the Mid-Florida Conference season 1-0.

“This was a very good win and we showed a lot of effort and energy,” said Coach Chanda Stebbins.  “We did a better job tonight of playing team defense and I think that is a big key for us going forward if we want to continue being successful.”

The Saints played suffocating defense to open the game, allowing only 17 points in the first half to an explosive CFCC offensive, led by Markeshia Grant, who was held to four points in the first period.

Santa Fe led by 10 at the half, 27-17, but CFCC stormed back in the second half to cut the lead to one with four minutes to go.

“CFCC made some great shots in the last few minutes,” said Stebbins.  “I was proud of our kids for not getting overwhelmed when they [CFCC] started coming back.  Our players kept their composure and were able to get a big win.”

Hanging onto a 60-57 lead with 40 seconds left, Lanita Bartley rebounded her own missed free throw and passed it out to Tracie Sneed who was fouled. She calmly stepped up to the line and made both free throws to give SF a 62-57 lead.  The Saints made two more free throws in the closing seconds to secure the MFC win.

The Santa Fe defense forced 25 Patriot turnovers and held CFCC to 37.5% shooting.

Tracie Sneed led the Saints in scoring with 16, Letiecia Davenport and Leandra King each had nine and Lanita Bartley had eight points and eight rebounds.

Next up for SF is a home Mid-Florida Conference game against Daytona State College on Saturday at 2:00pm at the Santa Fe Gym.

For more information and a complete schedule, please visit santafesaints.com.  Join the Santa Fe College Athletics Facebook Fanpage for game photos, up to date info and more.

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