SGTC Lady Jets split decisions in Tallahassee Classic

Tallahassee, FL – The South Georgia Technical College Lady Jets dropped a hard fought three-point loss, 50 – 47, to the nationally ranked Eastern Florida State College Titans before rallying to a 66 – 60 victory over Tallahassee State College in the Tallahassee Community College Classic this weekend to move to 3 – 1 on the season.

   “We put ourselves in a position to beat a very talented team despite a very rough offensive start,” said SGTC Athletic Director and Lady Jets head coach Jason Carpenter after his team fell to Eastern Florida State College. “I am disappointed we came up just short, but we are a young team (10 freshmen) and we will use this as a building opportunity moving forward.”

   The Lady Jets fell behind 20 – 13 after one full half against Eastern Florida State but a strong third quarter scoring 20 points to the Titans 12, allowed them to pull ahead 33 – 32.  Eastern Florida outscored the Lady Jets 18 – 14 in the final period to take the win, 50 – 47.

   Nineteen turnovers combined with hitting only 19 of 64 attempts from the field and two of 18 from the three-point line forced the Lady Jets to their first loss of the season.  Freshman guard Stephie Salumu from Belgium, and freshman guard Jamiah Gregory of Marietta were the only two Lady Jets in double-digits.  Salumu had 14 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal.  Gregory tossed in 12 points, led the team in rebounds with 11, and had a steal and two blocked shots.

   Sophomore guard Mio Sakano came away with nine points, Kayla Carter and Enola Papin both had three points and then Marlia Ignatchenko, Cheyenne Preston, and Duilly Silva closed out the scoring with two points each.

   After that disheartening loss, the Lady Jets bounced back to take a 66 – 60 win over Tallahassee State College in their own tournament.  Freshman Center Mariia Ignatchenko showed out for the Lady Jets with 23 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double performance.  She also had one blocked shot.

   “Tallahassee has a strong team this year.  They beat East Georgia by 13 the day before,” explained Carpenter.  “I was encouraged by the effort and our ability to bounce back after coming up just short the day before to Eastern Florida.  We are continuing to improve each game and that’s a great sign.”

   Sophomore Enola Papin was the only other Lady Jet in double-digits and she also had a double-double night with 15 points and 11 rebounds.  Stephie Salumu came away with eight points, 11 rebounds, two steals and three blocked shots while Mio Sakano scored six points and had seven assists and three rebounds.

   Jamiah Gregory and Maria Favero both added four points and Cheyenne Preston, Kayla Carter and Duilly Silva closed out the scoring for the Lady Jets with two points each.  The Lady Jets enjoyed a narrow lead most of the night, up 27 – 23 at the end of the first half, and stretching that lead to a 66 – 60 victory. 

   The Lady Jets have a few days off before they travel to Daytona Beach, FL for the Daytona State Classic on November 22 – 23.   They will play Daytona State at 6 p.m. on November 22 and Hillsborough Community College at 12 noon on November 23.  They will return home on November 29, 30, and December 1 for the Pete Arrington Classic in Americus.  The Lady Jets open with Cape Fear on November 29 at 7 p.m. followed by USC Salkahatchie at 7 p.m. on November 30 and Southern Union State at 5 p.m. on December 1.