Newburgh, NY- The energy was high in the Kaplan center as the Mount Saint Mary Knights took on the Dolphins of the College of Mount Saint Vincent in an early Skyline Conference matchup. The final score 73-52 showcased the Knights strength to not give up even after a rocky start. The crowd was loud and the energy in the building was high. The intensity the Knights came into the second quarter with was electric. An eight-point run in the second quarter was all the Knights needed to go ahead. After that, the Mount took control there was no looking back. 
 
             The Knights found themselves behind after the tip-off when the Dolphins jumped to an early lead. But junior guard Shannon Phalen opened the gates for the Knights with a big three-point basket to put them right back in the game. Throughout the second quarter the Knights continued to dominate and put up a large number of points. Going into halftime the Knights led 33-27. A halftime pep talk from Coach Dietz was all the Knights needed to continue their dominant performance. The Knights dominated the third quarter with quick transition points after strong defensive plays. Forcing the Dolphins deep into the shot clock gave the Knights fast break opportunities that they were able to capitalize on.  Continued dominance and strong team chemistry was shown throughout the fourth quarter and allowed the Knights to capture the win.
 
            After securing her second straight home win, Coach Marion Dietz was ecstatic with how well her team played together, "Great fight and team win. Everyone stepped up at different moments." 
 
The Knights offense was strong throughout the game and multiple players stepped up in many ways. 61.1% from the free throw line and 46.8% from the field combined with strong defensive efforts was what the Knights needed to secure the win. A dominant performance was had by Shannon Phelan who led the team with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Phelan had an all-around strong performance, not just scoring points but dishing out passes in key moments of the game. Charlotte Twohig had a strong performance with 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals. Sara Cashin came up big off the bench adding 10 points and 4 rebounds. 
 
The Knights offense was strong, but their defense was dominant as always. They dominated the boards and forced many turnovers to allow them to be successful throughout their overall strong performance. 
 
Individual Performances
 
-Shannon Phelan: 21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals
-Charlotte Twohig: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals
-Casey Love: 9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
-Cierra Quinn: 8 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists
-Lauren Petrie: 7 points, 4 rebounds
-Sara Cashin: 10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal
-Brianna Guglielmo: 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal
 
Team Stats
-Field Goals: 46.8%
-Three-Pointers: 28.6%
-Free Throws: 61.1%
-Rebounds: 41
-Assists: 19
-Steals: 8
-Blocks: 5
 
The Knights showed their versatility as a team against a big conference rival. The victory marks the Knights continued success in Skyline Conference play. The Knights look to keep the momentum going as they face off against Sarah Lawerence on Saturday December 9th at 1pm.