BABSON PARK, Fla. (Dec. 9, 2024) — Conquistador women's basketball (1-6) failed to secure a win against The Sun Conference's Webber International University Warriors (3-3) on Monday. WIU's 99-60 win extended FNU's losing streak to five games.
FNU has never defeated the Warriors in four meetings between these two NAIA Florida programs. Webber used a stunning offensive performance at the Sabbagh Athletic Center to prolong its four-year winning streak in front of a home crowd.
In the first half, Florida National was paced by newly-crowned Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) Offensive Player of the Week Janelisse Marty Marrero. The senior guard had 13 points and 10 rebounds at the break, keeping things interesting for the visiting Conquistadors. Florida National faced a 53-34 deficit despite her efforts, trailing by as many as 23 in the first half.
Freshman Valeria Castro also recorded a fruitful opening half with seven points on an efficient 3-4 shooting performance from the floor. WIU's Neri Moreau played in an incredible half, putting her team in the driver's seat early. In 15 minutes, the 5-1 guard scored 21 points and missed just two of her nine shots attempted. She posted five made threes before halftime and left FNU reeling heading into the third.
In the third, WIU silenced FNU's offense to outscore the Conquistadors 26-11 in the frame. Jaiden Ross was the real driving force of their run with 10 points in the period, all from close range. Ijy'ana Edwards also came off the bench for five impressive points, while FNU's Hermione Hicks and Kyla Cruz Baez combined for six points.
It was more of the same for the Warriors in the fourth. FNU could not generate a sustainable offense with Marty Marrero adding six points to her team-high 23-point performance. The Warriors ended the game outscoring FNU 20-15 and with three starters in double figures. CAC Defensive Player of the Week, Cruz Baez, was held scoreless in the final quarter but did manage to post nine points, five rebounds and two assists. Moreau finished the evening with a game-high 31 points.
Notably, Aaliyah Abdala continued to find her stride with six points in 30 minutes on the court, and forward Hermione Hicks ended the night 2-3 from the field with six points and eight boards in the box score.
Up Next: The Conquistadors are in New Port Richey, Fla., to take on the USCAA's Trinity College of Florida Tigers. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. at the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center.
