Women Drop MFC Opener to Central Florida, 84-78

January 5, 2011

January 5, 2011 Contact: Scott Jamison 352-395-5616 scott.jamison@sfcollege.edu

SF WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

SAINTS DROP MFC OPENER TO CCF, 84-78

Gainesville, FL – The Santa Fe Saints (8-10, 0-1 MFC) led by as many as 15 points early in the second half of their Mid-Florida Conference opener on Wednesday night, but the Patriots of College of Central Florida (11-8, 1-0 MFC) rallied to pick up the win and the early MFC lead.

SF fell behind 14-8 early on, but went on a 31-12 run over the next ten minutes for their largest lead of the first half, 39-26. CCF chipped away over the next five minutes to close the gap to 49-41 at the break. Ashley Bacchus provided a spark off the bench in the first period, scoring all eight of her points on 4-for-4 shooting.

"We played well for most of the first half, but allowed them to get back in it towards the end," said SF coach Chanda Stebbins. "Ashley was a real bright spot and gave us some good, efficient minutes off the bench."

The Saints shot 57.6% (19-for-33) from the field in the first half and were 9-for-9 from the free throw line. The Patriots were equally as good, shooting 58% (18-for-31).

Santa Fe continued to apply pressure through the first five minutes of the second period, pushing the lead to 60-45, but from there it was all Central Florida. The Patriots closed the game by outscoring the Saints 39-18 for the 84-78 win.

"The difference in the game was the fact that they played for 40 minutes and we only played about 25," said Stebbins. "We have to have better effort for the whole game and we have to learn to take care of the ball."

Jasmine Richardson led the Saints, scoring 15 points to go with eight rebounds. Stephenie Coney also scored 15 with four assists, Kristien Malone had 14 points and Stephanie Edwards scored 11.

"Kristien and Jasmine did a nice job for us tonight off the bench," said Stebbins. "I was proud of their effort."

The Saints travel to Daytona State College on Saturday to take on the Falcons at 2:00 pm in a Mid-Florida Conference match-up. The men will follow at 4:00 pm. Both games can be watched live on www.psblive.com.

For complete schedules and more information on Saints Basketball, please visit santafesaints.com. To see game photos and other updates, follow Santa Fe College Athletics on Facebook.

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