ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - The Northampton women's basketball team used a 30 point effort from standout sophomore Layla Sweatte (Allentown, PA/William Allen) and a spirited second-half surge to battle back and take down Atlantic Cape Community College, 72-66, at Atlantic City High School in Region 19 action on Saturday afternoon.

The Spartans got off to a slow start and found themselves trailing after the first quarter, 15-7, and faced a 33-29 deficit going into the locker room at the end of the first half. Coach Gallagher hit the right buttons during the halftime intermission as the Spartans came out of the locker room and were able to control the third quarter and take over the lead going into the final frame, 52-48. Both teams went back and forth in the fourth quarter but the Spartans held their grip on the advantage and were able to close out the game for the come from behind win.

"Tough battle today but we were able to get on track and get the win," stated Spartans Head Coach Carly Gallagher. "We got off to a slow start today but no excuses. This was a tough game and I was glad to see we were able to get ourselves going after the first half and pushed through some adversity to regain the lead and finish strong for the win. Every game at this point is going to be tough as you wind down your season and get ready for playoffs. This was a good win on the road and I was pleased again with how we hung in and took care of business."

Sophomore guard Layla Sweatte (Allentown, PA/William Allen) led all scorers with 30 points, hitting 5 big baskets from behind the arc, and also going 5-6 from the free throw line to lead the Spartans. Sweatte also grabbed 10 rebounds for the double-double. Neoshe Perez (Bath, PA/Executive Charter) chipped in with her own double-double and another strong effort with13 points in the score book and 10 rebounds while teammate Joey-Madison Shaul (Whitehall, PA/Whitehall) added 8 points and 12 boards. Freshmen Nia Brown (Bethlehem, PA/Executive Charter) scored 8 points with 6 rebounds and Abymarie Colon (Easton, PA/Wilson) had 6 points to round out the attack.

Northampton improves to 16-6 overall and 11-4 in Region 19.

Atlantic Cape Community College is now 13-6 overall and 11-5 in the Region.

The Spartans are back on the hardwood this coming Thursday, February 12th when they travel to Blue Bell, PA to take on Montgomery County Community College in non-conference action at 5pm at the Health Sciences Center.