Women’s Basketball Clinches SUNYAC Title, Prepares for NCAA Tournament.
CORTLAND, NY- The Red Dragons captured the SUNYAC trophy last weekend with a semifinal win against Canton on Friday, and an assertive win against New Paltz in the finals on Saturday.
Cortland was granted the right to host the conference tournament following their regular season play. The Dragons took advantage of this opportunity.
Friday night, the team commanded the court beginning in the first quarter. Cortland finished the first quarter on a 10-2 run to take a 20-12 lead that gave them a rush of momentum.
The Dragons carried this momentum forward and defeated Canton 67-54 to move on to the championship game on Saturday.
Cortland outshined New Paltz with a 68-49 win to earn its ninth overall SUNYAC title.
Sophomore guard Jackie Funk was the highlight of the tournament for the Red Dragons. She received tournament MVP and led Cortland with 19 points, 6-of-10 shooting, including two 3-pointers. Funk scored a combined 41 points through two playoff wins.
“I couldn’t be more proud of everyone on this team,” said Funk. “We really came together for this, it’s a special win for us and the program.”
Kayla Campbell made 7-of-9 shots and finished with 18 points on Saturday, and recorded a total of 30 points over two games. Brooke Tillotson finished with seven points and nine rebounds. She averaged nine rebounds per game in the tournament.
Campbell and Tillotson joined Funk on the all-tournament team.
Also for the Dragons, Kaeli McAnally had eight points and five rebounds, Joleen Lusk led the team with 10 rebounds, and Mariah Huss added three assists.
After the first quarter, Cortland led 15-7 and shot 60 percent. The Dragons held a 27-18 lead at halftime after Campbell scored 12 points, and Funk with seven points in the first half.
In the second half, Cortland shot 57 percent from the field and ended the game shooting 51 percent overall. Following 3-pointers from Tillotson, Funk, and Lusk, two free throws from Campbell, and a Funk layup, Cortland took a compelling 40-22 lead late in the third quarter.
Cortland led by 17 or more the entirety of the fourth quarter. The Dragons held the Hawks to 27 percent shooting from the field.
“We were able to get good offensive shots up while still playing great defense and limiting them [New Paltz] in their shots,” said junior guard Abby Sheehan.
With the win, Cortland receives an automatic berth into the 64-team NCAA Division III tournament. The team will travel to Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine to compete in a four-team regional.
On Friday, the Dragons will battle against Endicott College of Massachusetts in the first-round of the tournament.
“There’s a lot of excitement for the tournament,” said junior guard McAnally. “I’m happy to have another week of practice with these girls and have the opportunity to go compete for some more wins.”
The Dragons will be making their fourth NCAA tournament appearance in the last five years. Second-year head coach Colleen Ames will make her first NCAA appearance with Cortland and second appearance overall. Ames previously led Mount Saint Mary (N.Y.) to the second round in 2022 as head coach.
The Red Dragons look to continue their 13-game win streak as they travel to Maine for this weekend’s competition.