Newburgh, NY — For the first 39 minutes and 35 seconds of the Skyline championship Annie Cossolini and Jackie Markert had not scored a point. But with 25 seconds remaining in the closely contested game Markert took an inside feed from Cossolini to score her first two points of the game and tie Farmingdale 57-57. Markert, who was fouled on the play, then nailed the free throw to complete the 3 point play and put MSMC up one. After a missed lay-up by Farmingdale, Cossolini was fouled with 4.3 seconds remaining and calmly sank one of two free throws to give the Mount their final margin of victory. Rochelle Clark’s desperation shot at the buzzer was wide left. The win gave MSMC their seventh consecutive Skyline Conference title.

The Blue Knights grabbed a 31-23 lead at the half courtesy of good defense and timely shooting. MSMC held Farmingdale to 22% shooting from the field as the Rams had trouble with the Mount’s suffocating man to man defense. Stacy Schultz had 10 points to lead all scorers at the half on 5-7 marksmanship from the floor.

In the second half both teams exchanged baskets with MSMC never extending their eight point halftime lead. With 13:10 remaining Mercedes Miller sank two free throws and Melissa Harry hit a lay-up to cut the Knights lead to 39-35. The Rams continued to chip away. Farmingdale finally took their first lead 49-48 with 7:48 remaining, on a three point play by Miller. The Rams could only extend the lead to 53-50 on two free throws by Harry. A LaSheena Brown basket with 1:35 remaining cut the deficit to one and led to Markert and Cossolini’s heroics.

Brown’s 20 point, 13 rebound, 4 assist and 4 steal performance earned her the Skyline Tournament MVP. Vanessa Lawson chipped in with 15 points and Stacy Schultz finished up with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Farmingdale was led by Melissa Harry’s outstanding 22 point and 18 rebound effort.