Strong Defensive Effort Powers Falcons to First Win

Daytona State held the Pensacola Pirates to 59 points in their season opener during the Florida JUCO Shootout. Pensacola shot just 37.5 percent from the field during the game. The Falcons were able to force the Pirates into 18 turnovers and had a total of 12 steals. Daytona's defense held Pensacola's perimeter shooters to 3-14 on 3-point field goals. On the defensive front, Daytona was led by sophomores Ja'Nia Thompson and Taylor Williams, who both finished with 3 steals. Taylor Manhertz and Shayla Bouie also were active defenders, with 2 steals apiece.

Daytona's offensive was just as effective as their defense, shooting 53.1 percent for the game. The Falcons shot 7-16 from the 3-point line, with sophomore Janay Turner knocking down 5 treys. Turner finished the game with 20 points, after shooting 6-14 for the game. NJCAA Top 40 selection, Kianni Westbrook also impressed with her efficient play on the offensive end. Westbrook scored 16 off 7-8 shooting from the floor and made both her free throw attempts. The Falcons went 13-15 from the free throw line for the game.

In her freshman debut, point guard Shayla Bouie scored 16 points off the bench. Bouie was an active contributor throughout the game, playing 24 minutes. She shot 5-7 from the floor, with one three pointer and Bouie was 5-5 from the free throw line. A tough defender, Bouie's stat line also included 2 steals, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds.  

Other Falcons hitting the scoring column included Taylor Williams (2), Tailyr Manhertz (3), Blessing Okoh (2), Odett Schlegl (5), Penda Ndiaye (4) and D'Asia Small (2). 

Both teams got off to a slow start an Pensacola held an early 5 point lead, but the Falcons started rolling and ended the 1^st quarter up 17-10. The Pirates and Falcons would trade baskets in the 2nd quarter with both teams scoring 13 point in the period. The Falcons would go into the half up 30-23.

Pensacola's offense stepped it up in the 3^rd quarter, scoring 23 points in the quarter, thanks to a pair of 3 pointers in the period by Aniyah Brown and the inside play of Tai'Sheka Porchia. The 4^th quarter would see the Falcons show more defensive prowess, as they held Pensacola to just 13 in the final stanza. 

Pensacola was led in scoring and rebounding by Tai'Sheka Porchia, who finished the game with 25 points and 7 rebounds.

The Lady Falcons return to action on Sunday, January 31, hosting Chipola College with a noon tip time. At the current time, there are no fans or spectators permitted.