Cortland Edges Oneonta For Women's Basketball Title

UTICA, N.Y. - League and SUNYAC Tournament Most Valuable Player Michelle Ciquera Massapequa/Massapequa) sank two free-throws with 3.7 seconds left to seal the SUNYAC Championship for Cortland 50-46. It is the Red Dragons' first title since the 2000 season.

The Red Dragons of Oneonta, although trailing for much of the game, found themselves up 37-36 in the second half. Cortland went back on top and led 42-37 but three baskets by Melissa Donahue (Niverville/Ichabod Crane) brought Oneonta to within one 44-43 with 2:14 left in the game. Kaylin Van Dusen's (Schuyler/West Canada Valley) three-point basket put Cortland up four with 1:53 left but Beth Branham (Norwich/Norwich) knocked down a three-pointer with just 26.3 seconds remaining to cut the lead to one 47-46. Three free-throws by Cortland, however, clinched the title. VanDusen finished with 12 points for the winners and Ciquera ended with 11. Donahue led Oneonta with 12.

Cortland now advances into the NCAA Tournament with an automatic bid. The Red Dragons will learn their destination and opponent Sunday evening.

2004 SUNYAC Women's Basketball All-Tournament Team
Michelle Ciquera (Cortland) - MVP
Kaylin VanDusen (Cortland)
Heather Berger (Oneonta)
Melissa Donahue (Oneonta)
Felisa Brown (Geneseo)
Kelly Mraz (Oswego)