Saints Cruise Past HCC to Claim Third Straight MFC Title

February 21, 2011

February 19, 2011 Contact: Scott Jamison 352-395-5616 scott.jamison@sfcollege.edu

SF WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

SAINTS CRUISE PAST HILLSBOROUGH TO CLAIM THIRD STRAIGHT MFC TITLE

Gainesville, FL – The pressure of a must win game didn't get the Santa Fe Saints women's basketball team (17-12, 9-3 MFC) on Saturday afternoon and they cruised past Hillsborough CC 64-37. SF had to defeat HCC to claim their third straight Mid-Florida Conference title and they did just that, playing one of their most complete games of the season. In the process Santa Fe also secured a #1 seed in the FCCAA State Tournament on March 2-5.

“I'm very proud of our players for this accomplishment and I'm also proud of all Santa Fe women's basketball alumni for what they have done over the years to put us in this position,” said SF coach Chanda Stebbins. “I appreciate the hard work every one of my players over the past ten years has put into this program. Every player that has suited up in Santa Fe blue contributed to where we are today.”

The Saints jumped out to the early advantage and never looked back, building a double digit half time lead 28-18. SF scored the first seven points of the second period to stretch the margin to 35-18 within the first three minutes of the half.

Demisha Mills made the game 54-34 with a free throw at the 4:53 mark and the Saints didn't let up from there. They outscored the Hawks 10-3 over the final five minutes for the final margin of 64-37.

Santa Fe out rebounded HCC by 18 in the second half and held the Hawks to 24% shooting for the game and just 27% from the three point line (3-for-11).

“We did a much better job rebounding in the second half,” said Stebbins. “They out worked us in the first half but we turned it around and played with more energy and determination the final 20 minutes.”

Jasmine Richardson led the offensive charge with 15 points, Stephanie Coney had 12 and Demisha Mills and Jasmine Blakemore had nine each.

The Saints next game is at the FCCAA State Tournament in Marianna, FL on March 2 at a time to be determined against the Southern Conference #3 seed.

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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