Nov 15, 2011
Led by three seniors in double figures, the New York University women's basketball won its season opener 72-49 at York College in Jamaica, NY, on Tuesday, November 15.
Cara Bonito scored a game-high 15 points, Tana Bertino netted 14 and Erica Franke tallied 10 to lead the Violets (1-0) to victory. With the win, NYU has now won 13 consecutive season openers.
For the game, the Violets shot 46.4% (26-56) from the field while limiting the Cardinals (0-1) to just 25.4% from the floor (16-63).
"Our shot selection was good and we shared the ball well," said NYU head coach Stefano Trompeo of the team's offensive performance. "I'm pleased with how unselfish we played, and that led to the high-percentage shooting.
"Defense is the #1 focus for us this season, and we executed well," he added. "The activity level was higher and the help side was present, which translated to us being in good rebounding position and getting into transition."
The Violets entered halftime with an eight-point lead, 39-31, but quickly took the game over in the second half. NYU outscored York 13-5 in the first five minutes of the second period, a run which was capped by a Bertino steal and a Bonito three-pointer at the other end.
The Cardinals got as close as 11 before another big Violet run, this time 15-3, put the game away. Franke led the big spurt, scoring NYU's final six points of the run to put the team up 23.
Franke added a game-high eight rebounds to her 10-point effort. Two other Violet seniors, Bianca Storts and Shelby Coon, contributed eight points and seven points, respectively, with Coon adding seven boards.
Diana Leondis led all players with five assists while not turning the ball over. Seeing her first collegiate action, Melissa Peng totaled four assists without a turnover.
Shadae Rice led York with 13 points, while Joanna Josama netted 12. Danielle Dunn pulled down a team-best six rebounds.
NYU returns to action this weekend when it hosts its annual Tip-Off Tournament at the Coles Sports Center. The Violets will play Clarkson University on Friday, Nov. 18, at 6:00 pm to open the tournament.