The Pirates were able to capture their first Panhandle Conference win of 2024 as they hosted Tallahassee Community College at the Hartsell Arena on January 22, 2024. The win moved no. 11 Pensacola State to 17-3 overall and 1-2 in conference play.
Gabriela Bendeck-Giron got things going early scoring the first eight Pirate points. TCC trailed just 8-6 at the 5:47 mark, but the Pirates held the Eagles scoreless the remainder of the stanza and took an 18-6 lead at the break.
In the second period, PSC outscored the Eagles 26-6 and went into halftime with a comfortable 44-12 advantage.
The Pirate defense overwhelmed the Eagles throughout the contest as they forced 34 turnovers. Pensacola outscored TCC 43-33 in the second half to secure the 87-45 win.
Bendeck-Giron led the Pirate offense with 21 points. Tanita Swift continued to display her value to the squad as she filled the stat sheet, recording a double-double with 16 points and 10 assists to go along with nine rebounds and eight steals. Nataya Lockett added 18 points while Audreonia Benson and Jaida McDonald chipped in 11 apiece.
Aiyana Sam led TCC with 16 points while Za'Naria Robinson added 12 for the Eagles.
The Pirates will travel to Niceville, Florida on Wednesday, January 24th to take on no. 1 ranked Northwest Florida State.