Rivier suffers first conference loss on Heritage Day

(Nashua, NH) On the night of Rivier University's Heritage Day, the women's basketball team suffered their first conference loss of the season and first home loss in over a year. The Suffolk University Rams held off a late rally by the Raiders to pull out the 87-70 victory.

Although the Raiders got out to a slow start they continued to battle throughout the rest of the game. Rivier eventually pulled within 4 points with over 6 minutes to go but the Rams offense was too much to handle down the stretch.

Junior Ryan Baker (Whitinsville, MA) set the pace for the Raider's offense by driving to the basket and contributing with 17 points and 4 assists. Sophomore Deanna Purcell (Hudson, NH) led the Raiders with 18 points and junior Jaclyn Penniman (Dudley, MA) came off the bench to add 9 points, 5 rebounds and a game high 3 blocks.

The Rams (14-5, 6-1 GNAC) were led by Junior Jennifer Ruys (Wallingford, CT) who led all scorers with 31, went a solid 10 for 15 from the field and was a perfect 11 for 11 at the line. Suffolk also got big contributions from Senior Jacqueline Vienneau (Salem, NH) who added to the win with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Sophomore Tori Brillaud (North Andover, MA) led all rebounders with 10 boards.

The Raiders got into an early deficit when Suffolk charged out to a 24-10 lead in the first 7 minutes of the game. The teams continued to exchange baskets for the rest of the half and going into the intermission Suffolk lead 44-34 behind 12 second chance points.

Coming out of the break some missed shots and fouls gave the Rams the opportunity to jump out to a 15 point lead until the Raiders went on a run of their own. Over the next 9 minutes the Raiders went on a 21-10 run to pull within 4 behind solid all-around team play. Suffolk closed the game on a 23-10 run to earn the 87-70 victory.

The Raiders will continue their GNAC play when they face Albertus Magnus at home Saturday afternoon with the game scheduled for 2:00 PM. Suffolk will be in action again on Saturday afternoon when they will travel to Newton, MA where they will face Lasell College at 2:00 PM.