NEWBURGH, N.Y. – Esther Ramos (Queens, N.Y./Forest Hills) knocked down 25 points for the Manhattanville University women's basketball team in the first-half finale comeback victory over Mount Saint Mary, 63-58, to remain undefeated in conference play. The Valiants improve to 8-2 (6-0 Skyline) while the Knights fall to 5-4 (4-2).

Ramos posted over 20 points for the fourth time this season, coming just shy of her season-high 27 against Brooklyn back on Nov 14. The senior forward shot consistently around the court, shooting a 57.9 percentage from the field and a 50.0 percentage from beyond the arc. In her 39 minutes, she also grabbed seven boards, dished out two assists, and took away a season-high four steals.

Gabby Tucker (Port Chester, N.Y./Blind Brook) was next to step up in the victory, scoring 16. In addition to points, she joined Ramos in the rebound category with seven. Tucker also picked up a steal and an assist. Amanda Orlando (Putnam Valley, N.Y./Putnam Valley) followed closely with 11 points, including two critical late layups. Orlando shot a 71.4 percentage and came away with four steals and one assist.

Molly Russom (Broadalbin, N.Y./Broadalbin-Perth) posted career-highs with three blocks and nine rebounds, leading the Valiants in both categories. The freshman sent out three assists while recording six points of her own.  

HOW IT HAPPENED
Julie DeBrocky (Mahopac, N.Y./Mahopac) knocked in five, followed by Tucker and Orlando with four in the first 10. The home team jumped ahead with two early baskets, taking a slight edge through the first quarter and leading 13-12.

Ramos began scoring in the second half with a layup to give the Valiants their first lead of the game before the Knights went on an 11-0 run, jumping ahead 21-15 with seven minutes until halftime. The Valiants traded off baskets before Russom and Ramos put up two apiece to bring the game back to two.

In the final three minutes of the first half, Ramos led her team with six out of seven in a 7-4 run to enter halftime trailing by one, 29-30.  

Ramos came out of the locker room hot, immediately knocking down a jumper to put the saway team back up 31-30. Mount Saint Mary pushed out ahead despite a near-even run, heading into the final ten minutes up 47-43.

Tucker ignited the flame in the final quarter, starting off with a layup. A few plays later, Orlando delivered a critical layup to tie things up with 49, just over seven to play. Ramos locked in a shot from beyond the arc, followed by a pair of drives from Tucker, pushing the Vals out by four. In the final 2:30 of play, Orlando, Ramos, and Tucker pushed to the paint before a free throw from Tucker sealed the 63-58 victory.

Up Next – The Valiants head into the new year alone in first place atop the Skyline. The first matchup of 2026 is set for Jan 3 at Ramapo at 1 PM.

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