Chipola Pulls Away from Miami Dade in FCSAA Quarterfinals

Niceville, FL - Miami Dade's season came to an end in the quarterfinals of the FCSAA Tournament on Thursday night as the Sharks fell to Chipola College, 101-49.

Miami Dade struck first and briefly showed life early, taking a 2-0 lead on a Meredith Venner tip-in in the opening minute. After Azjannie Culberth knocked down a three and Constanza Aravena added one of her own later in the first quarter, the Sharks were still within reach. But Chipola's depth, rebounding and efficiency quickly changed the game's direction.

Chipola closed the opening quarter on a strong push and carried a 25-13 lead into the second. From there, the Indians continued to build separation, holding Miami Dade to just five points in the second quarter while taking a 46-18 advantage into halftime.

The Sharks found a little more rhythm offensively in the third, scoring 19 points in the period, but Chipola continued to answer on the other end and never allowed Miami Dade to string together a meaningful run. The Indians led 74-37 after three quarters and finished off the quarterfinal victory with a 27-point fourth period.

Venner led Miami Dade with 16 points and eight rebounds, doing most of her damage at the free throw line where she went 8-for-10. Saige McCloud added 11 points and a team-high 12 rebounds for a double-double, while Aravena finished with seven points, five assists and three steals. Riana Callihan chipped in five points and six rebounds off the bench, and Jazmyne Bynum added four points and four assists.

Miami Dade battled on the glass early and finished with 42 rebounds, including 16 on the offensive end, but the Sharks struggled to convert consistently, shooting 16-for-77 from the field at 20.8 percent and 5-for-27 from beyond the arc. Chipola, meanwhile, shot 44.4 percent from the floor, dominated the rebounding margin 73-42 and placed five players in double figures.

Taylor Rietveld paced Chipola with 19 points, while Daniya McDonald added 16 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Serena Heeren and Arielle Facyson each scored 11, helping the Indians keep constant pressure on both ends throughout the night.

Miami Dade closes its season with a trip to the FCSAA Tournament quarterfinals, while Chipola advances to the semifinal round.