Box Score King's Point, NY – The Dolphins' dominant first quarter gave the team an early edge, but a slow yet steady comeback by the United States Merchant Marine Academy put the host team over the Dolphins by the score of 58-50. Senior guard
Amber Been once again led the way for her team, tying for a team-high 14 points while contributing seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Junior forward
Melanieann Broderick chipped in 14 points of her own on seven of 12, adding nine rebounds in the process.
The first quarter was one of the best 10 minutes of offense you'll see from the Dolphins.
Maria Nardulli's team had crisp ball movement and off ball motion, resulting in 29 points with a dominant 83% field goal percentage. Over that same span, the Dolphins led in nearly all major categories, including rebounds, steals, assists and points off turnovers, among others. The offensive success was spread all over the roster, with Broderick leading the way with eight points while Been,
Kira Villegas and
Kayla Hanley combined for 14 points of their own.
The game flipped in the second quarter, however, as the Mariners would outscore the Dolphins 8-2, with CMSV's only points coming at the charity stripe. Despite the second quarter struggles, the Dolphins entered the locker rooms with a nine point lead.
While the Dolphins would regain success on the offensive end in the third, USMMA did as well. CMSV would convert five of 12 shot attempts, including shooting 50% from beyond the arc, but the Mariners would continue to cut into the deficit, making it an eight point advantage for the Dolphins heading into the final quarter. USMMA would continue to put the pressure on the visitors as they opened the fourth quarter with a 9-0 run to take their first lead of the contest.
The Dolphins would continue to battle, with Broderick, Been and
Shania Wolfe-White all scoring to keep it a one possession game. The Mariners had other plans, as a combination of clutch free throws and strong defense ensured that they held on for the victory.
The tough loss brought the Dolphins to 0-3 against Skyline Conference opponents this season. They'll look to get back to their winning ways on Monday when they host Yeshiva University in yet another Skyline showdown.
