BEL AIR, Md. — Harford Community College women's basketball extended its winning streak to eight games last night, holding off a late push from Chesapeake College to secure an 82-76 Region 20/Maryland JUCO victory at the APG Federal Credit Union Arena.

Harford broke open a tight contest with a dominant third quarter and withstood a fourth-quarter comeback attempt by the Skipjacks to improve its overall record and maintain momentum in conference play. The Fighting Owls' balanced scoring attack and timely defensive stops down the stretch proved decisive in a game that saw multiple lead changes early before Harford pulled away.

Chesapeake opened the scoring and maintained an early edge as both teams traded baskets in the first quarter. The Skipjacks' quick ball movement and aggressive drives kept Harford off balance, but the Fighting Owls gradually responded with improved execution on offense. By halftime, Harford had closed the gap, and the teams entered the locker room tied at 36.

Out of the break, Harford (12-5, 10-2 Maryland JUCO) turned the game in its favor behind a 25-6 scoring run to begin the third quarter that flipped momentum and put the Fighting Owls ahead for good. Harford's pressure defense forced turnovers and transition opportunities, while its offense hit key shots from both inside and beyond the arc to build a commanding lead.

The Fighting Owls outscored Chesapeake 33-10 in the third quarter and carried a 23-point lead into the fourth period, setting the stage for a final-quarter showdown.

Forward Amya Goodsell (Our Lady of Mount Carmel) led the Owls with an efficient night in the paint, finishing with 20 points on strong interior shooting and adding 10 rebounds to anchor Harford's front court presence. Her performance gave Harford consistent scoring and helped fuel critical stretches of Harford's third-quarter surge.

Guard Nehir Safkan (Mersin, Turkey) paced the Fighting Owls from long range and attack mode, finishing with 18 points and connecting on multiple key jumpers as Harford pushed its advantage. Guard Sanaiya Edmond (Paint Branch) contributed a powerful all-around effort, finishing with a double-double on 17 points and 15 rebounds that helped Harford dominate on the boards and limit second-chance opportunities for Chesapeake. 

Caryne Nelson (Our Lady of Mount Carmel) had the Fighting Owls third double-double of the game on 11 points and 13 rebounds.

Harford's depth also made an impact. The Fighting Owls' bench contributed significant minutes and scoring, sustaining offensive balance and allowing Harford to keep pressure on Chesapeake throughout the middle quarters.

Despite the deficit, Chesapeake refused to relent in the fourth quarter. Behind steady scoring from its top options, the Skipjacks cut into Harford's lead with a more physical approach and improved efficiency. Chesapeake's run in the final period tightened the margin and made the closing minutes tense, but Harford's poise under pressure was evident.

With under five minutes to play, Chesapeake trimmed the Harford lead into single digits, but the Fighting Owls responded with timely defense and efficient trips to the free-throw line. 

Harford shot 47.1% from the field on the night and made 41.7% of its three-point attempts, showcasing a balanced offensive attack that kept Chesapeake's defense rotating. The Fighting Owls also held the rebounding edge, finishing with 58 boards to Chesapeake's 35.

Goodsell's 20-point, 10-rebound double-double made her one of four Fighting Owls to finish in double figures. Safkan's perimeter scoring and Edmond's work on the glass provided additional lifts.

Combined with contributions from Harford's supporting cast, the statistical balance demonstrated why the Fighting Owls have been difficult to contain in recent weeks.

The Fighting Owls now turn their attention to Friday's home contest against the Howard Community College Dragons, scheduled for a 5 p.m. tipoff at the APG Federal Credit Union Arena. Harford will look to extend its winning streak and continue climbing the Maryland JUCO standings as the stretch run of the season approaches.