Cortland Women’s Basketball Capitalizes on Conference Games, Takes Over SUNYAC Lead.
CORTLAND, NY – The Red Dragons are clawing their way to the top of the SUNYAC conference in women’s basketball.
Over winter break, the Red Dragons gained non-conference wins by beating Hamilton and Utica, and seven wins against SUNYAC opponents.
The team stormed into SUNYAC play in January by taking down Fredonia, Canton, Oswego, and Buffalo State before coming up short against New Paltz. The Dragons quickly got back on track as they handled Oneonta and Morrisville on the road, before returning to their home court for a rematch against Buffalo State.
Sophomore forward Joleen Lusk was named the SUNYAC Women’s Basketball Athlete of the week on January 6th. This is the second time this season that Lusk has received this award. She recorded 24 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two blocks in a loss at Rochester, and then scored 14 points, four rebounds, and three steals in a win at Utica.
“She gives us a post presence and she’s very effective on offense,” said junior guard, Haley Potenza. “She is also a big contributor to our defense as other opponents see her in the paint and then avoid driving to the basket so they have to rely on their shooting from outside.”
After the Red Dragons’ dominant win at Plattsburgh, they moved into first place in the SUNYAC. Cortland’s win along with New Paltz’s recent loss to Buffalo State helped send the Dragons to the top spot.
The Dragons hosted Morrisville on Friday, resulting in a 67-41 win over the Mustangs. Cortland outscored Morrisville 17-4 in the second quarter to hold a 15-point lead at halftime.
Kayla Campell recorded 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Mariah Huss finished with a career-high 13 points while also recording four assists and three rebounds.
Jackie Funk had 10 points, four rebounds and three assists and Joleen Lusk had eight points and a team-high 11 rebounds. Sophie Bissaillon added five rebounds and Brooke Tillotson added three assists.
“We are having a lot of different players step up for us right now,” said sophomore forward, Bissaillon.
Cortland shot 43 percent from the field and 33 percent from the 3-point arc.
“It makes us harder to scout because you never know who is going to have a great game,” said sophomore guard, Bella Zingoni. “We are moving the ball well and are able to get players different looks so it makes our offense run smoother.”
The team held a fundraising event throughout the game that involved raffles, a bake sale, and T-shirts. Following the game, junior Lily Woodis gave a compelling speech about the importance of the AIM Youth Mental Health Organization.
The Red Dragons are now 18-3 overall and 13-1 in the conference. The team hosts Oneonta on Friday and New Paltz on Saturday.
In the previous matchup between the Dragons and the Hawks, Cortland fell 64-50. Kayla Campbell led the team with 13 points and five rebounds.
New Paltz is the only team in the conference to defeat Cortland. The Red Dragons hope to get revenge against the Hawks on Saturday.