Purcell sisters lead Rivier to victory

SALEM, MA. - Rivier used a 23-6 run midway through the first half to break open a close game and cruise to a 77-63 victory over City College (NY) Saturday afternoon in the consolation game of the Salem State Tip-Off Tournament.

The Raiders improved to 2-1 on the season, while the Beavers fell to 0-2.

Rivier was led by freshman guard Deanna Purcell (Hudson, NH), who scored 20 of her team-high 24 points in the second half. Amandra Purcell (Hudson, NH) added 19, including 10 in the first half, while Jaclyn Penniman (Dudley, MA) also finished in double figures, with 10 points, while adding seven rebounds and four blocks.

CCNY was paced by Donika Rexhepi (White Plains, NY), who had a game-high 25 points, including 16 in the first half. Kendra Rivers (Medford, NY) contributed 12 points for the Beavers.

Rivier trailed 8-7 four minutes into the game. However, the Raiders held the Beavers to just one field goal over the next 11 minutes, while Amandra Purcell and Sarah Howard (West Greenwich, RI) combined to score 11 points and expand the lead to 30-14.

Thanks to the hustle of Donika Rexhepi, CCNY was able to keep the game within striking distance in the early going. Rexhepi scored 16 points in the first half, and single-handedly drew the Beavers to within striking distance, as they trailed just 35-26 at the break.

Rivier squashed any hopes of a Beaver comeback, however, as Deanna Purcell scored seven straight points in the early minutes of the second half, and the Raider lead was never less than 11 the final 15 minutes of the game

Rivier shot 42% for the game and outrebounded CCNY 50-37. Deanna Purcell was named to the all-tournament team, as she averaged 26.5 ppg over the weekend.