MCC eases into regional finals

ROCHESTER - The MCC women's basketball team raced to a 19-2 lead after the first quarter and cruised to a 93-37 victory over Mercyhurst North East in the semifinals of the NJCAA Region III, division II tournament Saturday afternoon.

The Tribunes advance to the regional title game, where they will take on either Niagara County Community College or Jamestown Community College at 12 p.m. Sunday.  The winner will move on to the NJCAA Division II national tournament in Harrison, Ark in two weeks.

Lanay Rodney led a quartet of Tribune players in double figures with 23 points. Sierra Green chipped in with three 3's and 15 points. The duo were also named Region III Co-Players of the Year.

Jaynelle Robinson had four points and six rebounds and Rodney also added four as MCC jumped out to a huge first-quarter lead. Defense was key, as Monroe held the Saints to 0-for-9 from the field while forcing 11 turnovers. Mercyhurst had 36 turnovers on the game, which the Tribunes turned into 32 points.

Erica Abitante and Samirah Henderson chipped in with 13 points apiece for Monroe. Robinson finished with eight points and 10 boards, and Torrie Cash added eight points, 14 rebounds, and five assists. 

Taliyah Brisco tallied eight points, six assists, and six steals, while Shalix Hines dished out a game-high seven assists.