Recap: Vikings Storm Past Mustangs, 69-41

BLUE BELL, Pa. - Head Women's Basketball Coach Francine Roseman knew that beating Ocean County College would be a tall order. Unfortunately, her squad was short on answers as the Vikings stormed past the Mustangs, 69-41, in a Region XIX contest Saturday afternoon.

Ocean improved to 6-3 in region play while Montgomery dropped its third straight and slipped to 3-7 in the region.

After two quarters, Montgomery's women's basketball team couldn't keep up offensively with Ocean. The Mustangs managed just 15 points over the first 20 minutes while the Vikings nearly tripled that in leading 39-15 at halftime.

Montgomery could have packed it in over the final two quarters. But not these Mustangs. As they have all season, the Mustangs fought until the final buzzer. In fact, the home team outscored the visitors in the final quarter, 14-13.

"That's one thing we have hung our hat on throughout this season," Roseman said. "No matter what the score, these women refuse to quit."

Jessica Spano and Alison Henning combined for more than half of their team's points as the team connected for 18 field goals, including a pair from beyond the arc. However, Montgomery only had six opportunities from the foul line.

Ocean converted 10 more field goals on six less shots and made 10 of 16 free throws. The visiting Vikings attempted 16 three-pointers, draining just three.

Lauren Lamastra led the Vikings with a game-high 22 points, while April Szymczyk recorded a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds.

"We have to keep working to get better," Roseman said. "We were able to finish strong this afternoon, but we need that energy and effort throughout. This game is about four quarters."

The Mustangs are back on the road Thursday with a 6 pm tip-off at Valley Forge Military College.

- By Bob Kent, Sports Information Director