Women's Basketball Wins Instant Classic Thriller Over Herkimer College, 67–64, Advances to Region III Semifinals
WATERTOWN, NY — In one of the most exciting games of the season, the #5 seeded Mohawk Valley Community College women's basketball team stormed back in dramatic fashion to defeat #4 seeded Herkimer College, 67–64, on Thursday night.
The game featured relentless momentum swings, clutch plays down the stretch, and a fourth-quarter surge that turned a late deficit into a signature victory.
The Hawks found themselves trailing 21–9 after the opening quarter and faced a 55–42 deficit heading into the final period. With their backs against the wall, MVCC delivered a thrilling response.
The fourth quarter belonged entirely to the Hawks.
MVCC erupted for 25 points in the final 10 minutes while holding Herkimer to just nine, fueled by dominant rebounding, defensive pressure, and timely scoring. Possession by possession, the Hawks chipped away at the lead before taking control in the closing moments, sealing the 67–64 comeback win.
Shayla Baker powered the rally with a sensational performance, finishing with 24 points and 20 rebounds in one of the most dominant outings of the season. Baker controlled the paint on both ends, grabbing nine offensive boards and adding five assists to anchor the comeback effort.
Takyla Vaughn added 12 points and 13 rebounds, giving the Hawks a commanding presence on the glass. Jazmine Brown provided a spark off the bench with eight points and 12 rebounds, while Felise Fowler contributed eight points, including two three-pointers. Leniyah Leslie added six points and three assists, helping steady the offense during critical stretches.
Despite shooting 33.8 percent from the field, MVCC overwhelmed Herkimer on the boards with a commanding 61–40 rebounding advantage, including 31 offensive rebounds that created key second-chance opportunities. That dominance proved decisive in the closing minutes as the Hawks completed the comeback.
Herkimer was led by Nevaeh Spencer's 22 points and 14 rebounds and Amiya Carter's 17 points, but it was MVCC's resilience and relentless fourth-quarter execution that defined the night.
In a game packed with intensity, grit, and late-game drama, the Hawks delivered when it mattered most — turning a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit into a thrilling 67–64 victory.
With the win, MVCC advances to today's Region III semifinal matchup against No. 1 seeded Onondaga Community College. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM in Watertown, with a berth in the Region III Championship Game on the line.
The winner will have the opportunity to earn an automatic bid to the 2026 NJCAA Division III Women's Basketball National Championship — a 12-team field featuring the nation's elite programs. Eight automatic bids are awarded to district champions, with four at-large selections completing the bracket.
Live stream is available for purchase on the NJCAA Region III website: https://www.njcaaregion3.org/landing/index