VALDOSTA, Ga. - An explosive first quarter paced the Eckerd women's basketball team to a 61-55 victory over the Valdosta State (Ga.) Blazers at the Complex on Friday night.
Greta Carollo got things rolling for the Tritons in the opening minute before an and-one layup by Martyna Kowalska put the Tritons up 5-0. The Blazers brought it back within one before Jaylen Ostensen hit back-to-back three's for an 11-6 EC favor. Ostensen's third triple in the frame gave Eckerd an eight-point lead at the halfway mark of the stanza. Eckerd led 22-13 after the opening quarter. The Blazers opened the second quarter with a jumper before Ieva Korzane brought the Triton lead back to nine. The Blazers went on a six-point run that was interrupted by Korzane. Back-and-forth action ensued in the waning minutes of the half, with Eckerd maintaining the lead 34-30 heading into the intermission.
Eckerd and Valdosta State traded baskets in the beginning of the period before Kiersten Nelson brought VSU back to tie 39-39 since the beginning of the game. The Blazers went on to take their first lead before Emma Egan and Chance Bucher flipped the score back to the Tritons favor. The teams swapped leads once more before Korzane gave Eckerd the 44-43 edge heading into the final quarter. After falling behind by two in the opening minute of the fourth quarter, Ostensen tied the game back at 46 apiece. Soon after, Carollo hit a triple that was the difference maker for the Tritons to keep the lead for the remainder of the game. The Blazers fought back within one twice, but it was not enough, as the Tritons finished the game with a 61-55 victory.
HOW IT ENDED
FINAL: Eckerd 61, Valdosta State 55
RECORDS: Eckerd 1-1; Valdosta State 1-1
NOTES AND NUMBERS
- Ostensen posted a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
- Korzane led the Tritons with 15 points off the bench.
- Eckerd's bench outscored Valdosta's 24-11.
- Bucher posted double-digit rebounds (12) in back-to-back games.
- Brynn Roggenburk made her first career appearance.
UP NEXT
Eckerd opens conference play early, with a road trip to Florida Southern on Wednesday at 5:30 PM.
