Women's Basketball: One Step Closer, Knights Down Catamounts in Region Quarter

Columbia, Md. -- History can be a catalyst when it comes to sports. When you're attempting to win your first regional title 42 years, it also spurs you to execute to your fullest potential. 

While CCBC Essex held a 14-point lead on Potomac State at halftime of one of yesterday's NJCAA Region XX Division II Tournament Quarterfinals matches, the Knights were only shooting 12-of-39 from the floor and a dismal 4-of-23 from behind the arc. 

The Knights came out of the break more Essex-like, outscoring the Catamounts by 32 in route to a 88-42 win at host Howard Community College. It's the team's 17 consecutive victory. 

"We struggled in the first half," Knights head coach Mike Seney said. "In the second half we made more three-pointers. We were just getting our feet wet today and we're happy to come away with the win." 

Essex will now play Montgomery on Saturday at 1 p.m. in the semifinal round. 

Sophomore Kasey Gagan led the Knights with 23 points (7-15) and made 5-of-12 of her three-point attempts. She also finished with six steals, four assists and four rebounds. 

CCBC Essex (28-2) exploded out of the gates in the second half, beginning on a 28-0 run.

They shot 44.4% (11-25) in the third quarter alone and hit 5-of-15 threes. 

In the fourth, the Knights continued to shoot lights out, making 45% of their shots, including 4-for-6 (67%) from behind the arc. 

Sophomore Mya Moye was second on the team with 17 points, despite shooting just 1-for-7 in the first half. Moye righted the ship and shot 5-for-7 in the second half and also finished with a game-high nine assists and six steals. 

Sophomore Aislinn Flynn had her 10th double-double of the season, finishing with 16 points and 14 rebounds. The Towson University transfer shot 7-of-12 and had five blocks. 

Freshmen Kendal Haggerty and Maciyah Washington each had 10 points and combined for six assists and four steals.  

The Knights largest lead of the game was 49 points with just under six minutes remaining. 

Essex cashed in 34 Catamount turnovers for 44 points and outscored them in the paint 30-14. 

Fastbreak and bench points were not close either, as the Knights edged out the Catamounts 31-4 and 20-9, respectively.