Nov. 9, 2007

Box Score

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Aly Young (Lodi, Calif.) led all scorers with 13 points, Jodie Pikus (Waterford, Conn.) came off the bench adding 11 and Dana Ferraro (Middlesex, N.J.) had a game high 16 rebounds as the Stony Brook women's basketball team beat Iona, 66-57, in the 2007-08 season opener at the Stony Brook University Arena on Friday night. Stony Brook is 1-0 while Iona is 0-1.

"We had a huge contribution from our freshmen tonight," said head coach Michele Cherry. "Over a third of our points came from our freshmen so I was pleased about that. Morgan and Dana were tremendous on the glass and Aly Young had an overall good game. There is still some areas we need to improve on but it's nice to get this win against a tough Iona team," Cherry said.

The Seawolves took an early 12-7 lead six minutes into the game with five points coming from Joia Daniels (Silver Spring, Md.). Iona fought back and went on a 7-0 run and took a 14-12 lead midway through the first half. After leading 21-20, Iona went on a drought allowing Stony Brook to take a 27-21 lead with 4:26 remaining in the game. After Iona retook the lead 33-31, Plikus hit her second of two three-pointers in the first half with seven seconds remaining as the Seawolves held a 34-33 lead going into the locker room.

After stretching an early second half lead to eight at 46-38 following two free throws from Young, Stony Brook went on a 14-6 run helped by four points from Morgan Patrick (Burlington, N.J.) and Kirsten Jeter (Elmont, N.Y.). Iona cut the lead to as little as seven but Stony Brook held off the Gaels to win by nine.

Young's 13 points was a career-high as she was named America East player of the game. Plikus hit three three-pointers in her collegiate debut for 11 points and Daniels added 11. Ferraro's 16 rebounds were the most she's grabbed since a 23 rebound effort vs. Boston University in 2006.

Lauren DeFalco and Tiara Headen each had 10 points to lead Iona. Thazina Cook and Anna McLean chipped in with nine.

Stony Brook travels to take on #2 Connecticut on Sunday afternoon. Tip-off is slated for 2 pm.