ROCHESTER, N.Y. (Dec. 6, 2014) – The Women's Basketball team can get a nagging monkey off of their back as they defeated top-seeded Rochester, 69-63, in the Wendy's College Classic final.

Coming into the game, the Yellowjackets had downed Roberts Wesleyan five times in the championship game dating back to the 2003 edition of the local tournament. The last win over Rochester came in 2002 in a semifinal match-up.

The game started out with Rochester controlling play as they shot nearly 43% from the field while holding the No. 2 Redhawks to just 27.8% before heading into the locker room with a 31-23 lead at halftime.

However, it would be the lower seed dictating play in the second half with the Redhawks shooting 51.4% from the field as well as draining 5 of 9 from beyond the arc.

After trailing 43-35 with 13:12 remaining, the Redhawks used a game-changing 16-1 run over a seven minute span that was capped off by a three-pointer from Lucy Covley to take a 51-44 lead. "This game and tournament really showed the heart of our kids. They overcame some very talented teams and battled each game to come out with the victory," said Coach Bob Segave.

Despite the Yellowjackets' best efforts, Roberts Wesleyan led the rest of the way to hang on for the win. Segave added, "Rochester played with the heart of champion and did not make it easy by any means.Covley had some plays for us late."

Freshman guard Necedah James turned it on for the Redhawks, who improved to 4-1 on the season, with a game-high 16 points after going 7 of 13 from the field. The 16 points is a career-high for James. "Necedah played a very composed game.  For a freshman playing in the Wendy's Classic Championship game, she made several big plays."

Joining James in double-figures was Samantha Courtney, who netted 14 points by shooting 50% from the field. The forward was a force under the basket with seven rebounds and two blocked shots. Courtney's blocks moved the junior to third all-time in Wendy's Classic history with 29. "I am so proud of Sam.  She worked hard in all three games and she was a force in every one.  She scored and she was a force on defense in the paint," said Segave.

Marissa Sell, along with Covley, scored 10 points for the Redhawks. Sell, who also grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds, has put up a double-double in each game she has appeared in this season. "Marissa has been playing at a very high level," said Segave. The senior managed to move herself into the tournament's top ten all-time in career rebounds with 96.

Ashley Cianfriglia was also productive with five assists, seven rebounds, and one steal. "Ashley was solid all-around throughout this tournament and her defense and her leadership was evident to anyone who say the games," noted Segave.
 
"To repeat in this tournament is memorable. This year's field was so evenly matched and everyone comes to play. In spite of the #1 and #2 seeds playing in the finals, anyone could have been here when you look at how close the games were. I am proud of our team and especially Carneisha Henry, who made game changing plays in each of the tournament games for our team," Segave concluded. Henry, a senior forward, also moved up the Wendy's College Classic career lists for blocked shots to number six with 24.

For Rochester, who suffers their first loss of their season, was led by Sarah Kaminsky's 13 points and Skye Dole's 10 points.

Roberts Wesleyan will now look towards their East Coast Conference opener, which will be at home next Friday when they host Queens College at 6pm.