POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (February 22, 2024) – Mount St. Mary's women's basketball posted season highs in scoring and rebounding as they took a decisive 72-57 victory over Marist at McCann Arena Thursday night. By virtue of the win the Mount improves to 11-14 (8-8 MAAC).
Eight Mountaineers registered a bucket in the game, led by
Jessica Tomasetti with 16.
Jada Lee added 15,
Jo Raflo 14, and
Isabella Hunt 11 to reach double figures. The team crashed the glass all game long, finishing with 48, including 14 on the offensive side. Last time the Mount tallied 48 in a game was a win over Fairleigh Dickinson during the 2021 Northeast Conference Tournament. Rebounding was a collective effort with no player grabbing more than eight.
Tessa Engelman had what could be described as the best performance in her first year at the Mount, tying career highs for points and rebounds. In addition to her 14 points, Raflo set a team high for the year and a career high for herself with four blocks.
Marist received a double-double from Zaria Shazer and 11 points from Jackie Piddock. The Red Foxes are now 5-20 (3-12 MAAC) on the year.
In an offense laden first quarter, the Mount jumped out to a 10-2 lead. Lee and Tomasetti continued to pace the visitors, but Marist was able to get some good looks and rallied to an 18-18 tie after one. Lee kept the torrid shooting pace with a triple to open the second, allowing for another run to go up 28-19 with six minutes left in the half. A Marist timeout failed to stem the tide and the Mountaineers lead grew to 14 at the break.
Raflo – already possessing the four blocks – flipped the switch to offense in the second half, scoring the Mount's first seven points out of the locker room. That spark was more than enough to keep the team well ahead of the Red Foxes. The advantage pushed above 20 during the third quarter and held that line for most of the game.
The road trip continues Saturday (Feb. 24) as Mount St. Mary's visits Iona. Game time is 1 p.m. at the Hynes Athletic Center.
