Spartans Open 2024 with Road Loss

Cayuga Community College Women's Basketball lost its opening game of 2024 on the road to Herkimer College on Saturday.

The Spartans kept the game close through the first three quarters but couldn't keep pace with the Generals in the final frame, losing 65-34. Cayuga is now 4-7 on the season and 2-5 in Region III play.

Coach Jim Alberici said he knew the Generals would be a tough contest, but said he was proud of the Spartans' effort.

"We were a little rusty after the month off, and we have to score more. But we played well defensively and held them to 26 points in the first half. I liked how hard we played," he said. "Our game Sunday is another challenge, but we're looking forward to it and looking forward to playing back home."

Cayuga fell behind the Generals early but fought back to trail by only four points at the end of the first quarter. The Spartans struggled on the offensive end in the second quarter, managing three points in the frame and entering the break trailing 26-11.

Herkimer increased its lead in the third quarter before a late Spartans run cut the lead to 10 at one point. Cayuga trailed by 12 entering the fourth quarter before the Generals pulled away for the win.

Lexi Alberici led the Spartans with nine points, adding three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Haley Mosch added seven points, four rebounds and three steals, and Lamontiona Johnson led the team with five rebounds and added five points.

Cayuga is back home Sunday, Jan. 14, to host Mohawk Valley Community College. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.