Bronx, NY --- The Hostos Lady Caimans were tied with the #1-Region XV ranked Nassau Community College with just under five minutes remaining in the game but fell short, 71-60, in the last regular season / home game of the 2011-12 season. The Lady Caimans finished with a 9-16 record and qualified for the Region 15 playoffs for the first time in four years and making strides with honors such as CUNY Athletics Conference Coach of the Year (Jessica Vilella), CUNY Athletics Conference Player of the Year (Kristina Shcherban), and two NJCAA Player of the Week awards.

Down but not out at halftime, 36-23, Hostos played TEAM BASKETBALL (team high 10 assists in 2nd half), tough defense (8 steals in 2nd half and forcing over 15+ Nassau turnovers in 2nd half), and came out with heart. It was the most apparent when the smallest player on the court, 5-0 guard Deoshore Webster, grabbed 5 rebounds including 4 offensive boards, while in the game with the leading rebounder in Region XV, Hannalee Fordyce. 

Thanks to great team defensive stops that led to fastbreak points, Hostos took advantage of the game with a crucial 9-0 run that brought the team within four points. Kristina Shcherban, who is #16 in the nation in free throw shooting percentage, went 3-for-4 in the second half and helped to close the gap. The hustle of sophomore Jackie Awosika (8-for-12 in 2nd half) provided the offensive spark, while dishing out 3 of the team's 12 assists to get her teammate's involved. Nassau pulled away after Hostos tied the game at 55. Several lead changes occurred before Nassau maintained a constant 4-point advantage and pulled away in the last 3 minutes and sealed the win.

Hostos shot a JAW-DROPPING 73% from the floor (16-for-22) in the 2nd half and gave the Nassau Lions a real taste of what may come in the upcoming Region 15 playoffs - Hostos Hoops in full effect!


Hostos Highlights:

Kristina Shcherban - 19 points (6-10 FG & 7-8 FT), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks

Jackline Awosika - 21 points (9-18 FG), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals

Johnasia Turner - 9 points (4-5 FG & 1-1 FT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals

Tamesha Briggs - 6 points (3-4 FG), 6 rebounds, 5 assists