DeLand, Fla. - Despite a great defensive effort and strong plays by the Hatters, the ball would not fall into the net and the Seminoles took advantage, claiming a 70-44 victory tonight at the Tucker Center in Tallahassee.

'I am very pleased with the effort we put in tonight.' Said head coach Dee Romine.

The Hatters were led by sophomore Sharnesha Smith with 12 points, three rebounds and one steal for the evening.  Senior Janene Maclin and junior Vlendy Roldan each chipped in seven points and four rebounds. 

Both sides came out ready for a battle tonight.  The Hatters stayed close to the Seminoles through strong defense, patient offense and smart shot selection in the first half.  Even with a small scoring slump of near seven minutes, the Hatters picked up the defense while Sharnesha Smith and Senior Kim Manning took over on the offensive end, each putting up four points in the last few minutes, allowing the Hatters to stay within five points going into the half. 

'Defensively we did a nice job, forcing them to take quick shots,' said Romine.

In the second half FSU came out ready to take over, jumping out to a 13 point lead in the first five minutes of the half.  Led by Britany Miller with 23 points, the Seminoles dominated the post position.

The Hatters were able to cut the lead to nine with 7:30 left in the game.  Stetson was able to set the plays and find the open person, the shots just would not fall tonight.

'I am really proud of how they came out,' said Romine.  'We were outsized in every position tonight.'

With 2:30 remaining, the Seminoles took a commanding 26 point lead and never looked back.  Tough play throughout the game began to take its toll on the Hatters and FSU took advantage.

'We played smart and really hard,' said Romine.  'We just ran out of gas.'

The Hatters get a break from play until Saturday, December 16 when they take on FAMU at home at 7 pm.

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