DANBURY, CT --- (www.YORKATHLETICS.com) York College women's basketball held a 28-27 halftime advantage Sunday afternoon against the Western Connecticut State University Wolves (7-1), but were unable to push forward for the decision in their non-conference finale, falling 61-46 inside William A. O'Neill Athletic & Convocation Center.  

"I think the team has improved in sharing the ball, allowing us to spread scoring amongst a few players. I think we are very aware of our weaknesses and have been intentional on working through them and continue to grow through your strengths as well."-said head coach Kimani Jackson

How it Happened

• Ellma Hodzic and Aminata Sagna put York ahead early with back-to-back buckets to go up 4-0 just 2:10 in.
• Moments later, Alicia Gumbs dropped in a layup to cap a 6-0 Cardinal spurt for a 10-3 edge with 4:21 showing on the first-quarter clock.
• York extended its six-point (12-6) cushion at the end of the first by scoring nine of the opening 13 points in the second stanza for its largest lead of the game, 11 points (21-10), with 6:36 remaining in the half.
• WestConn answered with a 17-7 run over the final 6:21 to trim its deficit to one (28-27) at the break.
• Trailing for the opening 20:09, WestConn broke the second-half scoring ice nine seconds in to take the lead for good on a triple by Nicole Vivian.
• Despite being outscored 20-13 in the third, York kept it close for most of the period as Hodzic converted on a 3-point play with 1:09 left to pull the Cardinals within three (44-41).
• WestConn created the separation needed to put the game away with a 17-5 scoring spree over the final 10:57.
• York got as close as four (47-43) before the Wolves manufactured a 14-3 surge to close out the remaining 7:14 of play.

Inside the Box Score
Hodzic and Mac-Dege Dessources led York in scoring with 12 points each. Along with Hodzic's 12 points, she totaled a team-high seven assists (one turnover). Dessources also had team-bests in rebounds (6) and blocks (3). Gumbs chipped in with 10 points (4-of-9 FG) and five rebounds. Kristina Sierra scored nine points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting from the field. Sagna matched Dessources' six rebounds and led the Cardinals with four steals. In addition to Sagna's tally, Hodzic, Dessources, Gumbs, and Sierra each recorded two steals. 

Vivian ran the show for WestConn, finishing with a game-best 17 points (7-of-14 FG) and four assists. Malaysia Dingle added 12 points and a block. Nicole Peralta also reached double-digit points, scoring 10 points as well as providing six rebounds and four assists. Stuffing the stat sheet, Ashley Rilley grabbed a game-high 11 boards and dished out a team-high five dimes.

In the end, York connected on 34.7 percent from the floor, 25 percent (2-of-8) from 3-point territory, and 66.7 percent (10-of-15) from the free-throw line while WestConn landed 38.6 percent (22-of-57) from the field, 33.3 percent (7-of-21) from long distance and 76.9 percent (10-of-13) from the charity stripe.

York tied a season-high with 13 steals and finished the game by outplaying WestConn in steals (13-4), blocks (4-3), and points in the paint (20-16). WestConn owned the edge in rebounds (38-29), assists (18-12), and bench scoring (21-0). The Wolves also scored 10 second-chance points off 12 offensive boards and netted 18 points off 15 Cardinal miscues.

Up Next 
The Cardinals (5-4, 1-0 CUNYAC) return to the court January 3 at 5 p.m. for a home CUNYAC bout against the Baruch College Bearcats (5-4, 0-1 CUNYAC).

For the latest news on the Cardinals, log on to www.yorkathletics.com – the official site of York College athletics. Also, become a follower of the Cardinals on Instagram (@yorkcardinals), Twitter (@yorkcardinals) and YouTube (@yorkathletics), and "LIKE" Us on Facebook (York Athletics).