Daytona State Shares Mid-Florida Conference Title

Daytona State Shares Mid-Florida Conference Title

February 24, 2015

The Daytona State Lady Falcons knew that they would have their hands full Monday night as they traveled to Ocala to take on the Patriots to determine the championship standings for the Mid-Florida Conference.  The match up pitted the Falcons, who are currently ranked 18th nationally in the NJCAA against the Patriots who are also ranked 10th nationally.

The Mid-Florida Conference title was at stake last night, along with the Mid-Florida Conference first place seed in the FCSAA State Tournament next week.  With a win last night the Falcons would share Mid-Florida Conference Champ honors with College of Central Florida.

Daytona State gained control of the game early, and never looked back.  The Falcons were firing on all cylinders taking a commanding lead at the half, 41-19.  Strong play from sophomore forward, Stephanie Ratliff led the Falcons early.  Ratliff received strong support from her teammates, Destiny Alston and Ragen Dotson.

The Patriots showed some life early in the second half, cutting into the Falcons lead, but were never able to close the gap.  The Falcons converted 14 out of 16 free throws, scoring 33 in the second half to claim victory for Daytona State 74-57.  The Falcons were led offensively by freshman guard, Alston with 21 points and 5 assists.  Strong contributions to the Falcons win also came from Dotson with 15 points and 6 rebounds and Ratliff with 14 points and 7 boards.  Brittney Chambers added 13 points and Monterika Warren rounded out the Falcons top 5 scorers with 9 points.

Clinching the first place seed going into next week’s FCSAA Tournament was huge for the Falcons.   With 7 straight wins in a row, the Falcons will look to stay hot next week as they transition into post season play back in Ocala, FL.  The Women’s FCSAA Tournament play will open up next Wednesday.