Spartans Earn First Win

Cayuga Community College Women's Basketball held on for its first win of the season Tuesday against Erie Community College.

The Spartans raced out to a double-digit lead but had to knock down free throws down the stretch to preserve the road win by a 47-41 margin. The win makes Cayuga 1-3 on the season.

Cayuga Coach Jim Alberici said the team's defensive performance was the best of the season, and it led to easier shots on the offensive end.

"We played outstanding on both ends in the first quarter. We raised havoc on defense and were very active in our zone," he said. "They hit some shots in the third and fourth quarters, and we made it interesting for ourselves. I'm very proud of the team, how they played and how they responded when the game got close."

The Spartans dominated the first quarter, opening on an 18-0 run and building a 20-5 lead heading into the second frame. Cayuga's Lamontiona Johnson, who scored a game-high 17 points, scored 11 in the first quarter to pace the Spartans on offense.

Cayuga stayed in control and led 31-14 at the half, but their offense cooled in the third quarter. The Kats cut the lead to eight points heading into the final quarter, and Cayuga led by just two with 22 seconds left when guard Lexi Alberici hit two clutch free throws to make it 45-41. The Spartans forced a turnover on the next Kats' possession and Alberici hit two more free throws to ice the game.

Johnson went 8-of-14 from the field while also grabbing nine rebounds and three steals for the Spartans. Avrey Colton had nine points, nine rebounds, seven steals and five assists, and Alberici had eight points, four steals and four assists. Cayuga's defense recorded 20 steals and forced the Kats into 32 turnovers in the contest.

Cayuga is off until Monday, Nov. 20, when they're back on the road for a game at Jefferson Community College.