On Saturday night, March 4 the Farmingdale State Rams Women's

Basketball Team won their first-ever Women's ECAC Championship by dominating Kean University in the Division III ECAC Metro Basketball Conference game.

The Lady Rams gave the Cougars a scare with a 73-61 defeat. Each player gave it her all, as this was the last game the seniors would play. Senior center Melissa Harry dominated with an amazing 18 points, 15 rebounds and one block, while sophomore forward Mercedes Miller contributed an incredible 16 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks. Rochelle Clark, a junior guard finished with 12 points, seven steals and five assists while sophomore guard Dankery Perez added 9 points.

After their triumphant victory over the Cougars, Mercedes Miller was honored as MVP of the ECAC Championship Game. On hearing her name, roars of excitement rang out from her teammates and from loyal Rams' fans filling the stands in Farmingdale State's Nold Hall. Farmingdale's ladies finished their season with an overall record of 20-9 for the season and 8-3 in the Skyline Conference.

That same evening, the Farmingdale Rams Men's Basketball Team took a road trip to the Batten Center in Virginia Beach to meet Virginia

Wesleyan Marlins in the second round of the Division III NCAA Men's

Basketball Tournament. The Rams maintained a 7-point lead at the end of the first half. However, the Marlins took a 3-point lead with three minutes left in the game. In those final moments Farmingdale was unable to sink any of their shots, while Virginia Wesleyan hit nine of 10 foul shots, increasing their lead and winning the second round of the Division III NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament by a score of 71-63. The Marlins advanced to play the winner of the Lincoln (PA)/Messiah playoff.

Each Ram played his game with skill and talent, but there was no doubt that three-time MVP senior forward Kenny McMillian, senior guard Dashwan Warren and senior guard MD Mazique pumped their hearts and souls into this last game of their careers. McMillian rallied a game high 23 points and 14 rebounds, while Warren and Mazique each scored 15 points, with three shots from behind the arc. The Rams ended an amazing season with an overall record of 23-6.

(Editor's Note: Falon Taddeo is a student in one of Professor Howard Gold's Professional Communications classes at Farmingdale State University.)