Women's Basketball: Raiders hold on for 68-63 win at Saint Joseph (Conn.)

(West Hartford, Conn.) Sophomore Kaylee Kacavas (Dracut, Mass.) exploded for a season-high of eleven field goals made for 28 points as the Rivier University Women's Basketball team ran past the University of Saint Joseph Blue Jays, 68-63 in Great Northeast Athletic Conference action on Thursday night.

The win improves the Raiders' overall record to just 5-11 but more importantly they are now 3-6 in the GNAC, fighting for a conference tournament playoff spot. Saint Joseph, meanwhile, falls to 7-10 overall, 2-7 GNAC.

Kacavas was electric as she finished the night 11-for-23 over the course of 32 minutes. The 28 points is one shy of her season-high of 29 which she set back on December 11th against Fisher College. Kacavas had support from senior Rebecca DeBaldo (Pelham, N.H.) who continues to have a stellar final year in RivNation as she totaled 22 points and seven rebounds. Fellow senior Savanna Butterfield (Londonderry, N.H.) collected 13 rebounds and blocked six shots as she was the key defended for the Raiders all night. Senior Caitlin Bulger (Quincy, Mass.) also had a solid evening as she had seven points and 10 rebounds.

The Blue Jays fought hard down the stretch as they were able to accumulate 29 4th quarter points led by Kayla Guest's 22. Rajeen Mayo netted 18 points on the night and Diamond Wallen had eight points and ten rebounds for Saint Joseph.

Rivier will remain on the road in conference competition as they will travel to Mount Ida College (4-14 overall, 0-9 GNAC) on Saturday afternoon (1:00 PM) in their next scheduled contest.