UTICA, N.Y. - The SUNY Poly women's basketball team defeated SUNY Morrisville on Saturday afternoon 57-54 to wrap up the 2023-2024 season on senior day. The Wildcats celebrated Patricia Vanlue, Zilah Wright, Emann Stennett, and Amanda Sweet, who are all in their final season with the team. With the win, the Wildcats ended the season 7-18 overall and 5-7 in North Atlantic Conference play. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Wildcats had a slow start to the game on Saturday afternoon, only scoring 10 points in the first quarter. Despite trailing 15-10 to start the second quarter, the Wildcats heated up offensively, scoring 20 points in the second quarter, which was more than any team scored in a quarter in the game. Hannah Shipley, Sophia Murray, Alysa Jackson, and Alivia Turk all hit three-pointers in the second quarter, and the Wildcats held onto a 30-26 lead going into halftime.

In the third quarter, Jackson would continue her strong night, making a three-pointer out of the gate to extend the Wildcats lead to 33-26. Jackson would finish the game with 11 points and 3 assists. Sophia Murray had a strong quarter for the Wildcats getting to the basket and the free-throw line to help them maintain their lead. Murray finished with a game-high 21 points. 

In the fourth quarter, Dezia Becker would connect on a three-pointer for the Mustangs with 6:26 to play to cut the Wildcats lead to 48-47. Abbie Platt would follow up with a free throw to tie the game at 48-48. With 2:14 to play, Sophia Murray would continue her strong afternoon by making a three-pointer to give the Wildcats a 53-50 lead. The Wildcats would hold on from there, again getting key free throws from Murray to hold onto the 57-54 win.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:

• Sophia Murray and Alysa Jackson both finished in double figures for the Wildcats.

• Anyssia Ingersoll led the Mustangs with 13 points.