The atmosphere was set. In an event for National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), Hostos Athletics sported pink instead of the normal orange as fans, players, and other personnel wore shirts that stated, "Fight Like a Girl" (Support Breast Cancer Awareness). Music from the Rocky-movie blasted from the speakers as amateur boxer Jennifer "JC" Czirr and World Champion Professional Boxer Alicia "Slick" Ashley participated in a sparring demonstration before the game in full-sized boxing ring. With the 40th birthday of Title IX, both boxers showed how women in sports have made great strides and are just as competitive as men with an intense demonstration that awed people in the stands.
In the last home game in which sophomores were honored, the Lady Caimans showed fight and outscored Suffolk in the second half, but it was not enough as the Sharks took advantage of a halftime lead. Hostos cut the lead to single digits several times thanks to tough defense that forced 25 Suffolk turnovers. With 7:12 to go in the first half,
Margaret Martinez came off the bench and hit a three-pointer. Two plays later,
Kristina Shcherban smoothly sailed a jumper near the fans to cut the deficit to nine. The defense picked up, as you could hear the roar of the crowd. Strong defense then lead to a steal and
Johnasia Turner assist to Jackie Awosika on the fastbreak to bring the score to 29-22. Hostos would not get any closer for the rest of the game, as Suffolk ended with a 12-2 to close out the half.
For the Lady Caimans,
Kristina Shcherban shot 7-for-19 from the field, including a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line, and lead all scorers with 22 points. She also contributed 4 steals and 6 rebounds to add to the mix. Jackie Awosika, who is 2nd in Region 15 in scoring and 1st in rebounding, added 13 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists.
For Suffolk, guard Hope Heiselman lead her team with 19 total points to lead the way.
The sophomores - Jackie Awosika,
Yuly Rodriguez,
Stephanie Arguello, and
Tiffany Nichols were recognized prior to tip-off as family, friends, coaches and faculty/staff from Hostos who have made an impact in their lives met the seniors at half-court to honor them for Senior Night.
Hostos Athletics wishes them the best in their future endeavors and success upon graduation from Hostos Community College!
The Lady Caimans end the season on the road with their first trip to battle CUNY Athletics Conference rival Queensborough CC in Bayside, NY on Saturday, February 4th at 1:00pm.
