BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The Long Island University women's basketball team (11-7, 6-1 NEC) got back in the win column with a victory over Stonehill College on Thursday night, defeating the Skyhawks 72-59 at home. 

Trailing 20-17 entering the second quarter, the Sharks and Skyhawks continued to battle throughout the second quarter, as each team stood tied five different times. A basket by junior Solangelei Akridge put LIU up 32-30 just before halftime. 

An 8-2 LIU scoring run gave the Sharks an eight-point cushion through most of the third quarter, later extending that lead to double digits on a layup by graduate student Kionna Gaines. The Sharks maintained their double-digit lead through most of the final 10 minutes, eventually claiming their 13-point win. 

Akridge led the Sharks with 15 points and four assists, while junior Janessa Williams (14 points), Gaines, and senior Kadidia Toure all finished scoring in double figures. Williams led LIU with 10 rebounds, recording her second double-double of the season. Toure finished the game with a career-high six steals.  

LIU returns to the court on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 2 p.m. to host Wagner College at the Steinberg Wellness Center.