Hunter 64 - Staten Island 63    ●BOX_SCORE
New York, NY

"I've never been on the line like that at the very end of the game," said Rogers (Brooklyn, NY), who finished with 17 points that included a 4-4 performance from the line. "When I was a kid, I would dream about situations like that. I just didn't want the dream to become a nightmare."

The victory gives Hunter its second consecutive CUNY crown and fourth in the last six seasons, all under head coach Jackee Meadow. The defeat snaps Staten Island's CUNYAC record 17-game winning streak.

The game was tight throughout, with seven lead changes, before the two rivals swapped turnovers with 4.5 seconds remaining. But after CSI sophomore forward Debra Pasquale (Staten Island, NY) fouled Rogers, a four-year starter with 1,128 career points, she proceeded to hit both free throws to give the Hawks (19-9) the victory. After evening the series at 4-4 in CUNYAC finals, the Hawks will now head to their second straight NCAA Division III Championship Tournament.

"Our two goals were to shut down their offensive rebounding and stop them at the three-point line," said Meadow. "We were absolutely tremendous at achieving both those things tonight."

The Dolphins (22-6) did have one last chance to win the game. Unfortunately for them, junior guard Pamela Barone's desperation heave from midcourt went wide of the basket.

Senior guard Jezel Rodriguez (Bronx, NY) led Hunter with 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists - making her an obvious choice for Tournament MVP. "She was amazing out there tonight," beamed Meadow. "She has been there for us all season with her defense and her ability to hit key shots."

Staten Island was led by sophomore center Jacclyn Rock (Staten Island, NY) with 18 points and 14 boards. Barone (Staten Island, NY) added 14 points while Pasquale and senior forward Keisha Cook (Staten Island, NY) notched 13 points each. Pasquale also grabbed nine rebounds while Cook hauled down eight.

Hunter junior center Tania Blanco (Bronx, NY) also had 17 points along with 11 rebounds. She was named to the All-Tournament Team along with Rogers, Barone, Cook, and senior guard Jamees Wright of Baruch.

Hunter will now advance to its third-ever NCAA Championship appearance next week and will await the announcement of its opponent on Sunday night as the 48-team field is unveiled. Staten Island, the #3 team in the Atlantic Region going into the game, is expected to receive an ECAC Tournament invitation on Monday.