Rams Defeat St. Joe's for First Skyline Win

Farmingdale State - 78, St. Joseph's - 65

Farmingdale, N.Y. - The Farmingdale State women's basketball team defeated Skyline Conference opponent St. Joseph's College in their home opener this evening. The Rams improved to 3-0, 1-0 in the Skyline, while the Golden Eagles now stand at 1-1, 0-1 in conference play.

Both teams struggled offensively in the first half, standing at a 3-3 tie six minutes into the contest. The Rams went on a 10-4 over the next four minutes, taking a 13-7 lead midway through the first half. Back and forth play throughout the remainder of the half, sent the Rams to the locker room with a 28-23 halftime advantage. Senior guards Kimberly Blakney (Brooklyn, N.Y./Benjamin Banneker) and Tiffara Steward (Elmont, N.Y./Sewanhaka) led the way for Farmingdale State with eight points apiece at the break. The Rams shot 24% from the floor, while St. Joseph's shot 33% from the field in the first half.

Farmingdale opened the second half on an 8-0 run, extending the lead to 36-23 before Carissa Stack (Patchogue, N.Y./Half Hollow Hills West) answered with a three pointer for the Golden Eagles. The Rams offense came to life, scoring 50 points in the second half and going on to defeat St. Joe's 78-65.

Blakney had a game-high 19 points, 12 rebounds, three blocked shots and three steals, while Steward and senior guard Kamaya Miller (Brooklyn, N.Y./Midwood) each scored 12 for Farmingdale. Senior guard Juanita Chappel (Westbury, N.Y./Westbury) recorded 10 points and had five assists.

Senior forward Trish McMahon (Patchogue, N.Y./Patchogue-Medford) led the Golden Eagles with 17 points, 13 boards, three blocks and four steals. Senior forward Dana Carney (Patchogue, N.Y./Patchogue-Medford) also had 13 rebounds to go along with her 11 points.

Farmingdale State will travel to New Jersey City for a non-conference game on Thursday, December 3rd at 6:00 pm.

*****