Lions Top Monroe Mustangs

North Branch, NJ - For the first time in program history the RVCC Women's Basketball team defeated the Mustangs from Monroe University. After trailing 29-27 going into the half the Lions would win both the third and fourth quarters to topple the Mustangs 60-53. 

The Lions had already played the Mustangs twice this season with both games at Monroe. Neither contest was close after the first half as the Mustangs crusied to two 30 plus point victories. On paper it appeared the same result was inevitable on Tuesday night, but the Lions were determined and knew exactly what they needed to do. In the first meeting the Lions got outrebounded 22-52. In the second meeting the Lions got outrebounded 24-50. As much as the team knew that rebounding the ball was the key to their success, actually doing it was going to be a challenge. Monroe starts two forwards that, at 6'4" and 6'2", tower over the Lions post players by at least 6 inches. However, it was the Lions' will and determination that led them to only lose the rebound margin by 4, 34-38. The focus on defensive rebounding halted the Mustang's opportunity at second chance points and sparked the Lions' offense in transition. 

Julia Fontanillo scored 11 of her team high 15 points in the fourth quarter and carried the Lions to victory. The sophomore guard from Valladolid Spain also led the lions with 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Ona Riopedre and Elizabeth May were the other Lions in double figures on the night, registering 14 point and 11 points respectively. May continued to add to her team high total in block shots, registering two on the night. Riopedre, much like Fontanillo, provides value for the Lions in every aspect of the game. She finished with 3 boards, 2 assists and one block while knocking down some crucial free throws in the final minute of the game. Freshman Telma Comba was huge for the Lions defensively on the night as she was tasked with guarding and boxing out the Mustangs' biggest threats in the paint. Comba finished with 5 boards and 7 points in a very effective performance.

The Lions move to 17-10 on the season and host the Vikings from Mercer County Community College in their final regular season Region XIX Matchup on Tuesday night. Prior to the tip off the Lions will honor their three sophomores, Antonia Polvere, Judith Vila, and Julia Fontanillo.