STATEN ISLAND, NY – The College of Staten Island women's basketball team hosted the first of its final two regular-season home games Sunday afternoon, defeating Roberts Wesleyan University in The Tank.
The day was highlighted by a milestone performance from Kyra Rose, who became the 22nd member of the CSI Women's Basketball 1,000-point club and the second player to reach the career mark during the program's Division II era. Rose scored 12 points to surpass the milestone.
The Dolphins entered the matchup seeking redemption after a narrow 75-74 loss to the Redhawks earlier this season that was decided at the freethrow line. This time, CSI controlled the game from the outset, outscoring Roberts Wesleyan 42-29 in the first half and securing a 73-55 victory to improve to 9-17 overall and 5-9 in East Coast Conference (ECC) play.
CSI opened the contest on a 6-0 run before the Redhawks responded to cut the deficit to one, 6-5. Shonyae Edmonds converted a three-point play to swing momentum back to the Dolphins, who went on to score a game-high 24 points in the first quarter. CSI built an eight-point advantage and carried a 24-16 lead into the second period following a jumper from Racky Kane.
The second quarter began with three free throws from Roberts Wesleyan to trim the lead to five, but Arielle Barnes and Rose quickly pushed the margin back to nine, 28-19. Later in the frame, Dana Phelan scored on consecutive possessions to extend the lead to double digits, and the Dolphins entered halftime ahead 42-29.
Both teams struggled offensively in the third quarter, with CSI scoring 11 points and Roberts Wesleyan adding 10. The Dolphins regained their rhythm in the fourth, scoring 20 points to pull away for the 73-55 win. Rose entered the final period needing four points to reach 1,000 for her career and achieved the milestone after attacking the basket twice and converting a pair of freethrows.
Edmonds led the Dolphins with her third consecutive double-double, finishing with 18 points and 11 rebounds. She now leads the team with five double-doubles this season. Rose and Barnes each scored 12 points, with Barnes also adding a team-high five assists. Phelan recorded a double-double of her own with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The College of Staten Island women's basketball team returns to action on Wednesday, Feb. 25, when the Dolphins travel to face Queens College in Flushing, NY at 7:30 PM.
GAME REPLAY
