CONTACT: Adam Sopris, a.sopris@hvcc.edu, 518-629-7898
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Saturday, January 27, 2018

Hudson Valley Community College women's basketball (11-7) sealed their second straight win with a clutch steal in the final seconds of the game to defeat Herkimer 60-57 at home in the McDonough Sports Complex on Saturday afternoon.

The Vikings and the Generals knew they had a tough final quarter ahead of them as they entered the fourth tied at 39-39. Hudson Valley's Kali Szczepanski (Las Vegas/Watervliet) and Cameran Henderson (Green Island/Heatly) were up for the challenge as they combined to score 17 of the Vikings 21 points in the final 10 minutes of the game. The duo also assisted on both baskets scored by Hayley Jones (Catskill/Catskill) in the quarter.

Henderson filled the stat sheet as she finished the game with a team-high 18 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Szczepanski totaled 13 points, three rebounds and three assists.

With the game tied at 54-54, the Henderson found Jones open on an inbounds play for the easy bucket and then Henderson caused a Herkimer turnover and scored on the fast break to put Hudson Valley up 58-54.

Herkimer's Maria Lomanto responded and hit a contested three-pointer from the right wing, giving the Generals a chance to steal the game from the Vikings as they now trailed 58-57. With less than a minute remaining, Szczepanski took an inbounds pass and marched right down the middle of the court to find an open Jones in the paint for the easy layup to give Hudson Valley a 60-57 advantage with seconds remaining.

The Vikings defense stepped up and caused a Herkimer turnover in the final seconds and sealed the 60-57 victory.

Taylor Engster (Troy/Catholic Central) recorded her fourth double-double on the seasons after scoring 10 points and grabbed 13 rebounds against Herkimer.

The Vikings are on the road tomorrow, Sunday, Jan. 28 as they travel to take on Broome at 1 p.m.