LIBERTY – Despite the frigid late January temps, spectators came out to show their support as the Liberty Redhawks hosted the Rockland Wolves on Tuesday evening. Rockland demonstrated its ability to find the open player, taking an early 12-4 lead after the first quarter. Their key was successfully executing the cross-court pass, and finding the open player around the perimeter. On their game plan, Rockland Head Coach Joe Clark said, “Anytime we play zone, we really focus on can we get our teammate the open look, can we make the defense rotate, and these girls were really good today with doing that. I’m proud of them.” Leah Ladenhauf led the charge for Rockland, scoring 10 points for the night, six of them coming from behind the arc. The entire Rockland Wolves’ team played a crucial role in their victory.

Every player had a hand on the ball and contributed on offense and defense. The Redhawks continued to play hard, but turnovers halted any chance of gaining any flow on offense down the stretch. As the game went into halftime, the Wolves had gained a 20-8 lead over the home team. In the second half, the Redhawks were held to just 11 points. For Rockland, the sharp shooting continued. Grace Darder contributed 11 points, and Anastasia Niforatos finished the game with nine points, in the Wolves’ 45-20 win. Their collective effort was key to their success against the Liberty Redhawks.

But the lead scorer of the night was Liberty sophomore guard Giselle Payton, who finished with 14 points. Payton pushed the pace on offense, driving into the paint and remaining consistent throughout the game. Her teammate, Adriana Ponce, also a sophomore, contributed five points.

 The Redhawks are scheduled to host Port Jervis at home tonight at 6:30 pm, and Rockland will be back on their home court against Burke on Thursday, February 5th, at 6:30 pm