Stingrays dominate at home to earn first win in franchise history

The Stingrays encapsulated their first victory in franchise history after defeating the New England Lightning 140-113 in the 2024-25 home opener on Sunday night at the Danzi Athletic Center at St. Joseph’s University.

The Stingrays had the edge in the opening period and led 31-25 at the end of twelve minutes. In the second quarter Josh Serrano kept up the good vibes after he hauled in a defensive rebound and took it down the court and launched a 2-point bucket for the opening points of the second quarter.

 Nick Hurowitz went from downtown notching a 3-pointer with 8:40 to go then again with 7:25 till the intermission. The offensive pillage continued when at 7:03 till halftime Mike Almonacy nailed a trey then Serrano heaved one from the 3-point arc with 4:49 to go in the second frame and it was 55-35 Stingrays. Almonacy continued to thrive all evening as he notched another three with 1:30 to go and Suffolk County led 66-45. The Stingrays led 68-49 at the intermission.

The offensive barrage progressed in the second half. Nick Hurowitz went from downtown again this time with 8:33 left in the third quarter and his team led 79-52. Janel Allen heaved one from the arc with 6:35 left in the triadic frame and it was 87-56. Almonacy tacked on another trey with 5:20 left and it was 94-60. At the end of three quarters of play it was Stingrays 111, Lightning 79. In the final quarter Almonacy scored a 3-pointer with 4:44 left and scored the final points of the game with a 2-point bucket with 1:30 to go. The final score was Stingrays 140, Lightning 113.

Mike Almonacy was the points leader with 32 and he had six assists, four rebounds, and three steals. Nick Hurowitz notched 27 points, five 3-pointers, seven rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Josh Serrrano summated 20 points, ten assists, three rebounds, and two steals. Janel Allen tallied 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, a block, and two steals. Kyle Sutryk registered 18 points and three rebounds. Akin Branco and Steve Augustine captivated a dozen points each while Augustine had nine rebounds and Branco had two rebounds and one assist.

Photos by Jordan Stankovich