Florida Southwestern slips past Pioneers

From the opening toss up the River was ready to rumble against Florida Southwestern in game three of conference action. A series of missed scoring opportunities gave FSW the early advantage as they converted on IRSC's mistakes. In a change of pace, the Pioneers battled in the opening minutes and only found themselves only down by 3 at the end of the 1st quarter with a score of 13-16. Second quarter played out as the first as FSW continued to convert on the River's missed shots by chasing the boards and transition to east buckets. IRSC struggled to find their game as FSW forced them to a pace that was not their own and then a series of turnovers gave the Bucs the go ahead points to lead the Pioneers 23-32 at the half.

Only down 9 the River came out of the locker room a bit more focused. Sophomore Keona Cadore led the way when she hit an opening 3 to start the surge of power of plays to get FSW in trouble. The Pioneers went to the line nine times in the quarter, but only converted twice opening the door for FSW to maintain the lead 42-54 despite the River's efforts. The fourth and final quarter of the game awakened the play of forward Annette Dukes as she returned to scoring after a two quarter drought. Elaine Field made a series of hustle plays that forced FSW to struggle and the Pioneers finally outscored the Bucs in a quarter 17-15. Unfortunately it was too late as early game missed scoring opportunities, coupled with lapses in defense found the Pioneers behind once again falling to FSW 59-69. 

Keona Cadore led the Pioneers in scoring with 18 points, Annette Dukes dropped in 16 points, Celia DeVoss and Elaine Field contributed 8 points a piece. 

The women return to action at home next Wednesday Jan. 25th when they take on conference rival Eastern Florida at 5:30 pm.