IRSC women pick up first road win of the season

The Pioneers took to the road Tuesday as they traveled to Jacksonville to once again face Florida State College of Jacksonville (2-6). In their initial meeting the Pioneers picked up their first win of the season 56-49. 

The Pioneers took an early lead on the Blue Waves with a 14-10 performance in the first quarter. A series of turnovers and poor shot selection gave the Blue Waves what they needed to challenge the Pioneers and did so as only three points separated them in the end of the second quarter 24-21. With a halftime score of 38-31 the River headed to the locker room to discuss discipline on the floor. In their first meeting the Pioneers did a tremendous job creating turnovers but struggled to convert on transitions and left many opportunities for points behind, the same was occurring again and the Pioneers needed to regain control. 

The opening minutes of the third quarter gave the Pioneers an offensive surge as they outscored the Blue Waves 11-3, but a few defensive errors allowed FSCJ to get to the free throw line and the momentum switched in their favor as the River only scored two points to FSCJ's eight point run to end the third quarter 37-32 in IRSC's favor. FSCJ felt the surge of control and outscored the Pioneers in the final quarter of the game 15-14, giving the Pioneers a close win 51-47.

"What a tough game", said Diana Couch IRSC women's coach. "When we are disciplined in our offense and unselfish we are so smooth and strong, the game seems flawless. But when we face a glitch in our system we tend to resort to individual play and it all falls apart rapidly. It is something we battle and once we can get into a rhythm and trust the system things will come easier. We have a new young team with many different thought processes, talents, emotions and ideas; finding their common ground is the task. I am excited by the different players that are starting to show up, but we need consistency."

Leading the Pioneers with her collegiate career high of 19 points was freshman Joseline Ramos, followed by sophomore Edley Drawhorn with 13 points and 6 rebounds. The Pioneers head to Daytona State College this weekend for the Florida Shootout where they will face College of Central Florida on Friday at 1:00 p.m. and Hillsborough on Saturday at 12:00 p.m.