Galloway, NJ – Stockton University (5-5, 3-2 NJAC) could not overcome early shooting woes and dropped a 60-55 decision to Montclair State (3-5, 2-3 NJAC) on Saturday afternoon.  Freshman Madison LaRosa (Oceanport/Shore Regional) and senior Grace Sacco (Ocean City/Ocean City) led the Ospreys with 16 and 15 points respectively.
 
Both teams got off to a shaky first quarter that saw both squads shoot less than 16 % for the frame. The period ended in an 8-8 tie. The squads picked up the pace to begin the second period as Montclair forged ahead 28-22 at the break.
 
The Red Hawks broke a 12-12 tie and pushed the margin up on a 16-10 advantage in the final 7:43 of the half for the six-point lead. Sacco topped the Ospreys with six markers in the first 20 minutes.
 
The visitors held serve through the third period, with Stockton closing to one point at 38-37 with 5:40 left on a Kadinah Harris-Hood (Atlantic City/Atlantic City) three ball. Harris-Hood followed that up with a pair of foul shots to give the Ospreys some life at 45-42 at the end of three quarters of play.
 
Montclair State pushed the lead to 48-42 at the 8:36 mark of the final period before Stockton ran off five straight points to close again within one at 48-47. Jumpers by Harris-Hood and Sacco, plus a free throw by Ionyonia Alves (Mays Landing/Oakcrest) pushed Stockton.
 
With the score 50-47 in favor of the Red Hawks, LaRosa scored five consecutive points to give the Ospreys their last lead at 52-50 with 2:15 remaining in regulation. Nickie Carter answered with five points of her own to put Montclair ahead for good at 55-52 with 1:11 left.
 
Two foul shots by Sacco left Stockton one marker short at 55-54 with 1:01 remaining, but that was as close as Stockton would get. The Red Hawks finished the game scoring five of the final six points to secure the game at 60-55.
 
Sacco added three assists and two steals to her total while playing all 40 minutes. Freshman Jaiden Harris (Lindenwold/Our Lady of Mercy) pulled down a career-high 10 rebounds with Harris Hood adding eight points in a season best 15 minutes of play.
 
Carter led the Red Hawks with 17 points, with Kendall Hodges adding 16 points. Nine rebounds and four assists. Megan Duffy chipped in with 14 markers, while Kelly Smith came off the bench to grab a game-high 12 boards.
 
Stockton's next game will be a non-conference affair against Delaware Valley University on December 30. The game in Doylestown, PA is scheduled for 4pm.