The St. John Fisher College women's basketball team defeated the visiting Blue Knights of SUNY Geneseo, 56-55, in the first game of the 2008-2009 campaign, Saturday afternoon at Manning and Napier Varity Gymnasium. Fisher overcame a 10-point deficit with just under eight minutes to play in the second half to capture the win.

 

After trailing by 10 points with 7:55 to play in the second half, the Cardinals ratcheted down their defense.  Over the next 1:06 Fisher scored 11 unanswered points and took their first lead (46-45) since the opening minutes of play.

 

In the last eight minutes of play, the Cardinals outscored the Blue Knights 21-10 to help earn the win.    

 

Sophomore guard/forward Colleen Maloney gave the Cardinals a two-point lead with a pair of free throws, but Geneseo answered quickly with a jumper from Claire Howe that tied the score at 55 all.

  

When Geneseo tried throwing an entry pass to the post Maloney stepped in front and stole the ball. The steal led to a foul shot opportunity for senior guard Meagan Tubbs with just seven seconds to play. Tubbs knocked down her second free throw for what proved to be the game-winning point.  

 

After the made free throw Geneseo immediately inbounded the ball quickly to Howe who, ran down the sideline only to get position for a game-winning shot. Fisher guard Stephanie Sweeney ran her down and came up with another steal to seal the victory.

      

Maloney scored a career-high 22 points and missed a double-double by one rebound, collecting nine. Kristen Taliento finished with 10 total rebounds, nine points, five steals, and an assist. Tubbs finished the game with 11 points and five rebounds in the win. 

 

The will look to continue their winning ways when they host the Courtyard-Penfield Tournament next Friday and Saturday.