Women's Basketball: Lessard, Raiders top Lesley in second semester opener

Women's Basketball: Lessard, Raiders top Lesley in second semester opener

Story written and posted by Anthony Perry, Rivier University Sports Information Director

NASHUA, N.H. – Shaking off the rust after over a month idle, the Rivier University Women's Basketball team used a total team effort as they defeated visiting Lesley University, 70-56 in a non-conference contest inside the Muldoon Gymnasium. The win bumps the Raiders overall record to 4-7 while the Lynx remain winless at 0-8.

Sophomore Cydney Lessard (Auburn, N.H.) led the way for Rivier as she converted on 5-of-10 from the floor for the team high of 16 points. Freshman Arianna Motivala (Nashua, N.H.) added 15 points off the bench for the Raiders while senior Jackelyn Robarge (Belmont, N.H.) finished with a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Also finishing with double-digit boards was sophomore Alexandra Grumblatt (Manchester, N.H.), who secured her 6th straight game of 10+ rebounds with 11 on the night. Junior Allison Zagami (Milford, Mass.) chipped in with six points in a reserve effort for Rivier. Two newcomers to the Raiders for the second semester – freshman Jaden Smith (Nashua, N.H.) and Heather Ries (Mont Vernon, N.H.) shined bright in their debut as they each totaled eight rebounds while Smith added six points and Reis cashed in with three in the win.

Lesley was guided by the all-around effort from senior Dakota Jones (Torrance, Calif.), who led the game with a 20-20 double-double of 26 points and 20 rebounds. She shot 11-for-22 from the field while pulling down 14 defensive rebounds in the contest. Classmate Hope Seasholes (Tucson, Ariz.) also finished in double-figures with 10 points and junior Tallin Goldberg (Merrimack, N.H.) wrapped up her night with nine points. Sophomore Lindsey Jensen (Milton, Mass.) also finished with nine points in the loss for Lesley.

Next up for the Raiders will be a Great Northeast Athletic Conference showdown with Emmanuel College on Saturday afternoon. Game time is set for 1pm in Boston, Mass. Lesley is next scheduled to play on Saturday as well with a New England Collegiate Conference contest at Dean College. Game time is set for 12pm.