Purcell's double-double leads Women's Basketball past USJ

(Nashua, New Hampshire) The Rivier University Women's Basketball team took care of business this afternoon as they were able to defeat a good University of Saint Joseph squad 95-64. The win improved the Raiders record to 9-2 overall and 1-0 in the GNAC. USJ falls to 6-7 on the season and 0-1 in the GNAC.

Junior Deanna Purcell (Hudson, New Hampshire) led the way for Rivier as he had a game high 23 points and 11 rebounds in just 28 minutes played. Senior AJ Guidi (Derry, New Hampshire) ignited the offense as she knocked down 4-of-5 from beyond the arc off the bench en route to a 16 point, 8 rebound performance. Classmate Jaclyn Penniman (Dudley, Mass.) recorded 14 points while seniors Ryan Baker (Whitinsville, Mass.) and Erin Sweeney (Chicopee, Mass.) had 11 and 13 points, respectively. Freshman Savannah Butterfield (Londonderry, New Hampshire) registered four massive blocks in the win.

The Blue Jays received solid efforts from senior Mary Hyde (Derby, Conn.) and junior Heather Framski (Prospect, Conn.). Hyde finished the game as the team's leading scorer going 9-for-16 from the floor for 19 points. Framski pulled down a game high 16 rebounds while chipping in 10 points. Senior Devon Diliberto (Waterbury, Conn.) added 14 points and 8 rebounds with senior Shauna Sullivan (Rocky Hill, Conn.) dishing out 6 assists.

Next up for the Raiders will be Lyndon State College in a non-conference contest on Tuesday afternoon in Vermont. They will return home on Thursday evening as they host Connecticut College in a 7pm tip off. Saint Joseph will be back in action on Thursday as they make the trek to Westfield State College for a 5pm game.