FROSTBURG, Md. – The Frostburg State Women's Basketball team defeated Winston-Salem State on opening day of the Jim Crawley Tournament on Friday afternoon by a score of 67-47.
Winston-Salem State got off to a quick start as they saw the first six points of the game, giving them a lead 6-0. Graduate Maggie Sharp put two on the board for the Bobcats with a right-handed layup and the teams first points of the game. Senior Mackenzie Freeze jumped to grab an offensive rebound and fed junior Harley Herndon, who found Sharp for a knock down three making the score 6-5. FSU took the lead as freshman Jenna Muha shot and made back-to-back field goals for a 9-6 score. WSS turned the ball over, falling into the hands of freshman Alanna Tate, who found Sharp wide open for another three. The Rams got back on the board sinking a free throw and a field goal to bring them within three 12-9. Senior Ciara Thomas brought the ball up the floor, beat her defender, and passed it to freshman Mandy Roman, who sunk a three to put Frostburg back in front by six. To end the first quarter, junior Jasmine Johnson went two for two from the free throw line putting the Bobcats up 19-12.
The Rams came out of their huddle ready to score, earning the first three points of the new quarter. Tate was able to get things started again for FSU, finishing an easy layup for a 21-15 game. WSS tied the game 21-21 half way into the second and took the lead moments later 24-21. Herndon to Sharp for a three pointer retied the game at 24 apiece. The scores traded till just before the half ended, as Sharp hit another three taking the lead for Frostburg and going down to the locker room up 31-29.
Tate saw another two immediately earning a layup to kick off the second half. Freshman Jenna Liska piggy backed off Tate, as she put up an easy left-handed layup in the bucket for a 35-29 score. As the clock ran down both teams were able to get stops on both ends of the court. FSU took a 12-point lead as Sharp, yet again, knocked down another three. Roman took a last second shot before the quarter came to an end and drew a foul, putting her at the line to shoot three. Roman went three-for-three allowing the Bobcats to lead 46-33 heading to fourth and final quarter. FSU won the third quarter outscoring Winston-State Salem 15-4.
Thomas went coast-to-coast scoring in the paint within the first minute of the final quarter. Sharp hit three consecutive three-pointers, increasing Frostburg's lead to 60-33. Freshman Grace Middleton came in, and right away helped FSU continue their lead with a layup and two made free throws. To put the icing on the cake, junior Sa'Niyah Council hit a three pointer with under a minute left in the game, as both teams allowed the clock to wind out, giving Frostburg the 67-47 win for their first victory of the season.
Sharp finished the game with a team-high 27 points and five rebounds, securing the program's record for most three pointers made in a single game with eight. Thomas followed with seven points while Muha, Tate, Roman and Liska all put up six, with the four combining for 18 rebounds. The 47 points scored by Winston-Salem State is the fewest allowed by FSU since December last year.
Wth the win, the Bobcats start 1-0 on the season, while the Rams start 0-1. Frostburg is back in action on day two of the Jim Crawley Tournament as they take on Pitt-Johnstown on Saturday, November 11 at 3 PM in Bobcat Arena. For more information, visit frostburgsports.com.
