Box Score

Storrs, CT -- Northeast Conference champion St. Francis Brooklyn's season came to an end in the first round of the NCAA Women's Basketball on Saturday against reigning national champion and top-seeded UConn, 89-33, in the first ever NCAA Tournament game in SFBK history. The Terriers were led by Connecticut's own Sarah Benedetti who scored the first ever NCAA Tournament points for St. Francis Brooklyn when she hit the first of three three-pointers in this contest at the 18:34 mark in the first half. The Canton native finished with 13 points. (Watch the historic bucket)

Sarah Bendetti said the following in the post-game press conference.

On tonight's atmosphere:

"Coming in, I knew Gampel was a great atmosphere to play in, and this NCAA tournament game was exactly what I expected. I knew UConn's fans would be lively and it was nice to have the support of my family and friends back home from Canton who came to the game. Regardless of the outcome, I had such a great time and it was such an enjoyable experience that I will remember forever."

On her conversation with Geno:

"He gave me a really big hug, and he was making a joke about how far I shoot, saying they should be worth four points because some of them are from so far back. He is such a nice man, a great coach, and has a nice team."

Head Coach John Thurston said, "This was an incredible experience for our program. This team is the first time that St. Francis has sent a team to the NCAA Tournament on either the men's or women's side. Coach Auriemma is a gentlemen. He said nice things about our team and that means alot to these girls. I told the girls if we played anyone else, we would have beat them, but it would take the defending National Champions to knock us out."

Alex Delaney, Eilidh Simpson and Jaymee Veney chipped in 5 points each for St. Francis Brooklyn. The Terriers pulled the score to 16-11 after Benedetti hit her second three-pointer of the game. Playing at the Gampel Pavillion was a dream come true for this St. Francis Brooklyn Women's Basketball team. The five seniors (Benedetti, Fox, Veney, Simpson, Hounshell) who are graduating in May had two last goals to accomplish this season, and that was to win the Northeast Conference Championship and make the NCAA Tournament and they were able to lead their team to both in the 2014-15 season.

St. Francis Brooklyn finish the season with a 15-19 record. They closed their season on the road and won three straight games away from Brooklyn Heights to bring home the Northeast Conference Championship Trophy. Tonight at the Gampel Pavillion , St. Francis Brooklyn was on the national scene against the top team in the country.

Northeast Conference Comissoner Noreen Morris said, "St. Francis Brooklyn showed the nation that Northeast Conference Basketball is a competitive league. They were fighters; they didn't get intimidated by UConn. For St. Francis to go out there and play hard and not give up and continue to fight to the very end showcased the league in terms of class and commitment. Sarah has been a great asset to the NEC and for St. Francis Brooklyn Basketball under John. They are a team that will continue to compete for NEC Championships."

Co-captain of the Terriers Katie Fox said, "Tonight was great for the program. The first time in school history that we made it to the NCAA Tournament. Going against UConn you know to expect to face great athletes. I was proud of how we fought tonight and how we played our hearts out for our final time on the court together."

Freshman Alex Delaney said, "It was such an amazing experience. The crowd was incredible. I still can't believe this happened. It was so fun to compete against UConn ,and I am glad we had this opportunity to play there tonight."

For the UConn Huskies, Morgan Tuck led all scorers with 26 points, followed by Brianna Stewart who had 17. They advance in the NCAA Tournament and take on Rutgers.