By Joe Barone - STAFF WRITER It was 18 years in the making. A 67-53 non-conference victory over the Fairfield Stags has Hofstra women's basketball off to their first 4-0 start since the 1997-1998 campaign.
Against a talented Fairfield team, the Hofstra Pride needed their best players to perform at their maximum potential. They did.
After a slow start to the season, junior guard Krystal Luciano could not be stopped as she set a personal best - 20 points - while adding three assists and five boards.
“We knew she was good enough to be out there,” said Head Coach Krista Kilburn-Steveskey. “[Luciano] was able to find her confidence and her shot all while leading the team.”
She was the difference maker. On any given night, Luciano can be looked at as a playmaking leader. Tuesday’s performance was another level of skill that the Pride will continue to need as the season continues.
Fairfield started their season 3-0 as preseason favorites. In three games, the Stags had fast starts with early leads that opponents found insurmountable.
This time, Hofstra’s defense limited Fairfield to a humbling 15 points in the first half of action. They were confusing the opposition as the Stags started the game shooting just 2-for-12 from the floor. The Pride’s defense deserves commendation as the Stags have scored more than 20-first half points in the each of the first three games.
“It was a hard fought game, but our kids found a way,” said the head coach. “They never stopped, they kept trying and we did it with our tempo.”
After an even first half, the Pride took a 23-15 lead into the locker room. It was Luciano and Kelly Loftus providing nearly all of the scoring as they each had 11 points.
In the third quarter, the blue and gold began to pull away due in large part to their play off the bench. Led by Luciano, Hofstra netted four consecutive shots from the floor to take a commanding 38-27 lead. With four minutes left, Luciano converted a three-pointer followed by an easy layup that provided a difficult deficit for Fairfield to overcome.
Hofstra’s depth has spoken volumes this season. On a night when their top scorer, Ashunae Durant, could not find her touch, it was Asia Jackson, Darius Faulk, and Anjie White who picked up the rest of the team. The trio had 11,9, and 8 points, respectively. White finished with a near double-double.
“They were ready tonight and really took care of business,” said the coach. “I am very proud of them,” she added.
The final frame became too close for comfort as Fairfield stormed back and trimmed the Pride’s lead to 44-40.
Faulk then provided seven consecutive points in just 51 seconds to give the Pride an 11-point lead. The Stags’ had no answers to the incredible feat.
“[That stretch] was amazing,” said Coach Kilburn-Steveskey. “She put the team on her back by showing her true value.”
Aside from her offense, Faulk’s defensive performance was one for the ages. In fact, it drew some impressive comparisons from the coach: “She is probably one of the best Hofstra defenders [in awhile].”
Making matters worse for Fairfield was Asia Jackson finding her scoring touch as she drilled two clutch three-pointers to add insurance and finished the game.
Next for the Pride is a business trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico for the San Juan Shootout where they will face seventh ranked Oregon State on Friday at 12:15 p.m.