Elmira, NY – The EC Women's Basketball team win its first game of the season against Clarkson University Sunday afternoon in the Speidel Gymnasium 64-53. The win improves the Soaring Eagles to 1-6, while the loss drops the Golden Knights to 4-2.
The Soaring Eagles started off well in the first going on an 11-4 run within the first three minutes of the game. The EC zone defense caused the Golden Knights to turn the ball over several times and stretch the lead up to 10 points at the 12:33 minute mark. Clarkson would fight back in the half cutting the Soaring Eagles lead down to one point with 3:43 left. The Golden Knights would take the lead at the 2:55 mark and stay on top at the half 32-30. Jessica Zoltowski '14 (Erie, PA -- Harbor Creek) and Alex Balara'15 (Marlton, NJ -- Gloucester Catholic) were leading scorers for EC in the half combining for 17 points and six rebounds.
In the start of the second period the Soaring Eagles came out on fire making three straight shots from downtown to put EC up 45-37 at the 16:12 mark. The Golden Knights would fight to pull the game within six points, but Zoltowski would make an incredible opposite hand jumper to help the Soaring Eagles remain on top by eight midway through the half. Clarkson's defense would help them stay in the game late narrowing EC's lead. Liz Forrest '14 (North Walpole, NH -- Fall Mountain) made a crucial three pointer for the Purple and Gold at the 6:21 minute mark to help increase the lead. Forrest also contributed two huge offensive rebounds with less than four minutes left to help EC get the win 64-53.
Zoltowski led the Soaring Eagles squad with her first double-double of the season scoring 20 points and picking up 10 rebounds. Balara and Darcy James '12 (Castile, NY -- Letchworth Central) also helped EC with the win contributing 22 combined points, six rebounds and three steals. EC shot an impressive 77% from the free throw line and caused 17 turnovers on the defensive end.
The Purple and Gold will return to action Wednesday, December 7th at 6:00 p.m. when they host Keystone College in a non-conference battle.
Elmira 64 Clarkson 53
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