ST AUGUSTINE-
Sadie Russell posted a season-high 17 points while
Tori Pearce contributed 16 points, nine assists and four steals as Flagler College rolled past Young Harris College 80-47 a Peach Belt Conference women's basketball game Monday afternoon at Flagler Gymnasium.
Flagler improved to 7-5 overall and 1-1 in PBC play. Young Harris fell to 8-3 overall and 0-2 in conference play.
"I was proud of our ladies focus and effort today. I thought it was one of our most complete games on both ends of the floor," said head coach
Mo Smith. "Hopefully we can build from this game as we continue in conference play."
Flagler took control right away by opening the game on 21-9 run. Five Saints scored during the run as
Jaziana Mathis and Pearce each added six, Russell had five, while
Sophie VanDyke and
Taylor Gardner each added a pair. Young Harris would end the run with a basket by Mackenzie Johnson, but Flagler responded with a
Staci Miller three-pointer to spark a 9-0 to give Flagler a 30-11 lead heading into the second quarter.
The Saints held the Mountain Lions to eight points in the second quarter and extended their lead to 44-19 at the half.
The strong defensive play would be a huge part of the Saints ability to dominate the game as they held the Mountain Lions to 28.3 percent from the field, while out-rebounding them 43-35.
Gardner posted 12 points, grabbed a season-high eight rebounds, and dished out four assists while
Staci Miller added 10 points.
Flagler shot 87 percent from the free throw line with a season-best 20 made shots. The Saints forced 25 Mountain Lions turnovers, which they converted into 25 points.
Johnson scored a career-high 19 points to go along with 11 rebounds for Young Harris. Niaya White and Carly Winters each chipped in seven.
Up next for Flagler is a trip to DeLand, Florida to face NCAA Division I member Stetson University on New Year's Eve.
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