DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The SUNY Polytechnic Women's Basketball Team (3-5) dropped a non-conference contest on Sunday to Stevenson University (7-2) in the team's final game at the Daytona Beach Shootout, 66-51.
Stevenson led the game wire-to-wire after starting the game with a 10-0 run. The Wildcats were able to close the gap somewhat on a Geena Gallo (Ballston Spa, N.Y. / Ballston Spa) layup around the 10-minute mark, which brought SUNY Poly to within five, down just 19-15. But the Mustangs were able to regain a ten-point lead headed into the half and wouldn't allow the Wildcats to get any closer than 8 points the rest of the way.
Gallo led the Wildcats with 16 points on an efficient 7-of-12 from the field. Lauren Knowles (Salisbury Mills, N.Y. / Washingtonville) followed her with 10 points. Molly MacLachlan (Marcellus, N.Y. / Marcellus) had a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, however the rookie also struggled with turnovers.
As a team the Wildcats had trouble holding on to the ball, recording 25 turnovers in the game. Many of those were caused by Mustang guard Ty Bender, who recorded a game-high 8 steals while scoring 14 points and dishing out a game-best 5 assists.
Bender was only outshone by Sara Tarbert, who recorded 20 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. The forward also registered the team's only block.
SUNY Poly will return north and break for the holidays. The team's next game is scheduled for Thursday, January 8th, at Alfred State. A 2 pm tip-off is expected.