Oneonta Women Claim Championship at Battle of The Red Dragons!

BY LEIGHA KNEPPER -- ONEONTA, NY

The Battle of the Red Dragons is a highly anticipated game in which rival teams, Oneonta and Cortland, go head to head to determine which school deserves the true title of "Red Dragon."  The women's basketball game was kicked off at 5:30 on Tuesday night, February 9th, 2016.

Oneonta Dragon showing his school pride

The crowd was fired up, the teams were chanting, and the competition was heated.  The Oneonta women took the lead right off the bat, but Cortland trailed closely behind.  SA concession worker, Aimee Albright says, "I think there is an equivalent amount of talent out there, so I think it will be a close game."  She also compared this basketball game to one of Disney's most popular movies;"[The game] reminds me of High School musical."

Oneonta women playing offense

Daniel Matishek, the announcer for the women's basketball game, had the upmost spirit throughout the entire game.  "It's always a lot of fun to announce for any sport but basketball is particularly exciting due to the fast pace and high energy of every game.  It was especially nice to be able to announce a win at the Battle of the Red Dragons event because of how tense the atmosphere was throughout the game."

Oneonta fan, Kristen Aviles, supports the women's game

"I thought it was pretty intense," fan Kristen Aviles answers my inquiries about her thoughts on the game.  "Our team did a really good job.  I'm not surprised that they won, but there were times that Cortland was keeping up,"  Kristen is a first year student and this is her first Battle of The Dragons game.

The final score of 63 - 55 left the Oneonta ladies claiming victory, and the crowd filled with excitement.  For the 2016 women basketball game against SUNY Cortland, SUNY Oneonta can say they are the true Red Dragons.