JOHNSTOWN – Herkimer CCC's Lady Generals and FM's Lady Raiders played an intense game on the FM hardwood on Thursday evening. The Raiders were outstanding at the foul line and defeated the invading Generals 65-60.

It was the first game after the long holiday break for both teams, and both teams had trouble scoring in the early going. FM's Kendra Jordan was the first to break the ice. The hard-working guard was fouled while shooting and sank both free throws. Those FTs foreshadowed what would be a remarkable night of shooting from the line by the Raiders.

Photo:  Sherice Gayle's jumper puts FM in front 9-4 

The scoring may have been slow in the early minutes, but both teams fought hard. (See photo at the bottom of this page.) The contest was fast moving and smartly played.

Jordan's two free throws were soon followed by a pair by Jessica Woney. Erica Ward sank a three-pointer from the left corner, and FM led 7-2.

Sherice Gayle was a force throughout the game. The savvy forward scored with a jumper, then went on to go three-for-four from the line in the opening half.

Photo:  Evanda Redwood shoots

Stephanie Rice scored two from the left side. Veronica Chea took a pass from Rice and scored. FM led 14-4 at the 10-minute mark.

Rice added two from the line, maintaining FM's 10-point lead. Herkimer then got their offense going and closed the gap to six points on two threes by Alyssa Craig. The Generals also made some timely interceptions and closed to 20-15.

Erica Redwood's jumper and Jordan's trey from the right side got FM's lead back to 10. But the Generals played a determined game and kept fighting back. The first half ended with the score 29-23. FM's lead was the result of hard work and amazing free throw shooting. The Raiders had made 13 of 15 attempts from the line.

The second half got under way, and the Generals struck quickly, closing the score to 29-28. Monae Abrams made her presence known with a three-point play. Gayle added a field goal. 34-28 FM.

The Raiders had been the stronger team in the first 20 minutes, but the Generals were now playing the hosts on even terms. Soon FM led by only 36-34. Jess Woney tallied a two, but Herkimer hustled for four, and the game was tied 38-38.

The visitors moved in front 41-40. Abrams grabbed a rebound and scored, but the Raiders were in a cold spell, and the Generals lead went to 46-42.

Photo:  Sherice Gayle scoring two of her 19 points, with Monae Abrams ready to rebound

Chea and Abrams scored, but Herkimer grabbed the lead again, 47-46. FM's Gayle then stepped up and put her team ahead to stay. Gayle took a Rice pass and scored from close in, then she spun in the paint and tallied another field goal. Gayle shot again but was fouled, so she sank both FTs. Rice scored from outside the arc, and FM led 55-47.

FM now had control of the game. Their offense was working, and their fabulous free-throw shooting continued.  FM finished the game 24 for 29 (83%) from the stripe. The Generals scored five points in the final 11 seconds, but FM won 65-60.

The Lady Raiders are now 9-2 on the season. They are 9-1 in Division III play and are undefeated (4-0) in conference play. They will have a stiff test on Saturday when they travel to Utica to meet Mohawk Valley.  The Hawks are 12-3 and are always tough at home.

                                                             C.J. Bonny, website writer

Herkimer:  Rexford 16, Randio 7, Williams 8, Dickerson 7, Bunal 12, Craig 10; Total 60

FMCC:  Jordan 5, Chea 7, Ward 3, Rice 7, Ev. Redwood 2, Woney 6, Abrams 11, Er. Redwood 5, Gayle 19; Total 65

Halftime:  FM 29-Herkimer 23

Photo:  Raiders Stephanie Rice (left) and Sherice Gayle fight for a rebound

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