Spartans Lose at Home to Hawks

Cayuga Community College Women's Basketball lost its home 2024 opener Sunday despite a strong effort against Mohawk Valley Community College.

The Spartans trailed by just single digits at halftime and early in the fourth quarter, but the Hawks controlled the final frame to take the 67-47 win. Cayuga Coach Jim Alberici said the Spartans played well against one of the better teams in Region III.

"Mohawk Valley is one of the stronger teams on our schedule, and we were right there with them for three quarters," said Alberici. "We played hard, shot the ball better and did a good job defensively on some of their shooters."

The Spartans struggled with turnovers in the first quarter and trailed 21-11 heading into the second. Cayuga came back with a strong quarter, though, with Haley Mosch and Maddy Weed sinking three-pointers to help the Spartans narrow the Hawks' lead to 32-27 at the break.

Cayuga cut the Hawks' lead to three several times early in the third, but Mohawk Valley ran the margin back up to nine. Consecutive three-pointers from Weed cut the lead to 42-39 before Mohawk Valley rebuilt its advantage to 50-41 going into the fourth. The Hawks dominated the final quarter, holding Cayuga to six points.

Avrey Colton and Mosch both finished with double-doubles for Cayuga, with Colton finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds and Mosch adding 13 points and 10 rebounds to go with five assists. Weed finished with nine points, six rebounds and five assists.

The loss drops Cayuga to 4-8 on the season. Cayuga is back on the road Wednesday, Jan. 17, at Tompkins Cortland Community College. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.