Staten Island, NY | The Dolphins squared off against the Seahawks of Wagner College for the third time in as many years at the Spiro Sports Center tonight. In the third consecutive Battle of the Borough Division I Wagner College defeated Staten Island, 86-59, to improve to 2-9 while CSI dropped to 8-3 on the year.

Both teams were inactive since last Saturday, however, it was the home side that looked rested in the opening part of the game. With five minutes to go in the first quarter, Wagner held a 21-7 lead after beating the Dolphins at their own game. The Dolphins have changed philosophies this season and have transitioned from an up-tempo 3-point shooting team to tough inside team.  After one-quarter of play, the Seahawks edge out the Dolphins 14-8 in the paint.

Jacqueline Cali helped the Dolphins early on by cashing in on her 3-point attempt before adding another three points to give her a team-high six points after 10 minutes of play. As the quarter grew older the Dolphins began to settle in and slow the game down and play more to their style which allowed them to shrink Wagner’s lead down to single digits after trailing but as much as 16.

The Dolphins kept it within reach in the early goings of the second quarter until the Seahawks caught fire and started to find the bottom of the net. Wagner consistently found the open player behind the arc which allowed Wagner to shoot 7-of-11 while the Dolphins shot just 2-of-11 from range. Diana Todaro was effective on the court, converting 100% of her chances in the first half for a total of eight points while also pacing the team with six rebounds.

Neither team could hang onto the ball as both teams committed 17 turnovers in the first half. One big difference between the team was that home side shot a scorching 59% from the floor while holding the Dolphins to just 30%. Nakylia Carter led the way for the Seahawks with 12 first-half points on 75% shooting.

Wagner’s team ball continued to be effective in the second half. Their quick passes shifted the stout Dolphins defense which allowed uncontested shots. In the third quarter, the Dolphins started to find the bottom of the net to the tune of 43%. Both Rosa Perone and Kayla Schmitter started to create space in the paint for easy layups but Wagner would quickly make an adjustment to stone wall CSI’s comeback attempt.

Staten Island will now look ahead to Sunday, December 30 when they entertain Centenary College at 1:00 pm at The Tank.