By Matthew Shaffer
Staff Writer
The College’s women’s basketball team defeated Ithaca College 75-61 in its home opener on Friday, Nov. 15, earning its second consecutive victory by 14 points or more and improving its overall record to 2-1 on the season.
The Lions hopped out to an early lead in the first quarter by draining three three-pointers and scoring 17 points in total. Both teams played at a fast pace, hoisting up tons of three-pointers and pushing the ball on fastbreaks.
Ithaca shot a dismal 20 percent from the field in the first quarter and was unable to make any fastbreak layups or shots from the outside.
Meanwhile, the Lions were clicking on offense, as senior forward Jen Byrne was draining shots all over, and junior guard Elle Cimiluca hit two three-point shots in a row. At halftime, the Lions were up 33-22, as Byrne led the team in scoring.
Late in the second half, Byrne exploded for four more three-pointers, keeping the College comfortably ahead.
A three-pointer assisted by freshman guard Sydney Blum marked Byrne’s 1,000th career point. She reached the milestone after starting her 64th game for the Lions over the past four years.
Ithaca never pulled within eight points, as the Lions continued to pour in the points and play a stellar perimeter defense. They held their opponent to just one three-pointer on the day.
The strong front of Byrne and junior forward Shannon Devitt combined for 45 of the team’s 75 points. Blum and Cimiluca also added seven and eight points, respectively.
The Lions played on the road against Moravian College on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
