Rams Open with Win over York

Farmingdale State - 72, York (N.Y.) - 45

New Paltz, N.Y. - The Farmingdale State women's basketball team opened the 2009-10 season with a 72-45 victory over York (N.Y.) this afternoon in the first game of the Rino's Pizza Tip-Off Tournament held at SUNY New Paltz. The Rams will face New Paltz in the Championship game tomorrow night, Saturday, November 21st at 6:00 p.m.

Farmingdale State held a 26-18 lead at halftime, before surging ahead in the second half with 46 points after shooting 45-percent from the field. Senior guard Kim Blakney (Brooklyn, N.Y./Benjamin Banneker) scored a game-highs of 24 points and seven steals, while also grabbing eight rebounds. Senior guard Kamaya Miller (Brooklyn, N.Y./Midwood) finished with 14 points and three steals, while senior guard Juanita Chappel (Brooklyn, N.Y./Grand Street Campus) was the third Ram in double figures with 10 points, eight assists and five steals.

Junior forward Quiana Holman (Bronx, N.Y./Hyde Prep) had eight points, while sophomore forward Dominique Cunningham (Amityville, N.Y./Copiague) posted seven points and seven rebounds. Senior guard Tiffara Steward (Elmont, N.Y./Sewanhaka) added four assists, three steals and three boards.

Farmingdale takes on host New Paltz, who defeated Tufts University, 80-78, in double-overtime to advance to the championship game.

*****