Trinity nips Rivier in overtime, 66-58

(Nashua, NH) The Trinity College Bantams had three players in double figures as they defeated the Rivier College Raiders in overtime, 66-58 in front of about 100 or so spectators inside the Muldoon Gymnasium tonight.

Michelle Royals led the way for Trinity (4-4) as she scored 22 points. Taylor Murtaugh recorded a double-double with 10 points and, a game high, 19 rebounds. Katilin Ciarleglio was the third Bantam in double digits with 10 points.

It was a back-and-forth battle between the two teams as they combined for 10 lead changes in the first half. However it was a three pointer by Abigail Hancock and a jumper from Carly Napier that gave Trinity a 29-25 halftime edge.

With about 7 minutes left, the Bantams held a 10 point advantage before the Raiders came back. Led by freshman Deanna Purcell (Hudson, NH), who scored a game high 24 points, River found themselves on a 10-2 run before sophomore Ryan Baker (Whitinsville, MA) knocked down a pair of free throws to tie the game at 50. The Raiders took a slight two point lead inside the final 20 seconds but Ciarleglio nailed a jumper and the last second shot by Rivier fell just short to force overtime.

In the extra frame Trinity would outscore the Raiders, 14-1 to take home the victory.

Sophomore Jaclyn Penniman (Dudley, MA) played well for Rivier as she recorded her first double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Rivier will travel down to New Haven, CT for their first GNAC game of the season as they take on a tough Albertus Magnus College squad. Game time is set for 1:00pm on Saturday, December 10th. Trinity will host Smith College at 1pm on Saturday as well.