Women's Basketball downs Mount Ida 75-72; improve to 2-0 in GNAC play

(Newton, Mass.) The Rivier Women's Basketball Team traveled to Mount Ida College this afternoon to do battle with the Mustangs in a GNAC matchup. The Raiders were able to defeat the Mustangs 75-72 securing their second consecutive GNAC victory of the season. With the win, the Raiders improve to 5-7 (2-0 GNAC) on the year. With the loss, the Mustangs drop to 6-10 (0-2 GNAC).

The Raiders, led by senior guard Deanna Purcell (Hudson, N.H.) were too much for the Mustangs to handle. Purcell led all scorers with 25 points in the game. Along with her 25 points, Purcell was also able to record 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Caitlyn Perry (Nashua, N.H.) also had a good performance for the Raiders, scoring 13 points, securing 4 rebounds, and tallying 2 assists on the day.

The Raiders went into halftime leading by the score of 27-24. The game was very competitive, as both teams seemed to match up well against each other. Rivier had great numbers put in by the starters, but sophomore forward Chelsey Hussey (Lebanon, Conn.) gave the Raiders a much needed spark off of the bench. Hussey was able to add 19 points and 10 rebounds, as Rivier edged Mount Ida 75-72.

Mount Ida also had some strong performances turned in on the day. Sophomore guard Kaitlyn Jesse (Marshfield, Mass.) was the second highest scorer in the game with 22 points. Trisha Liotta (Hampton Bays, N.Y.) was able to come off of the bench for the Mustangs and score 14 key points. Sophomore captain Angelique Martinez (Taunton, Mass.) recorded a double-double scoring 11 points while grabbing 10 rebounds.

For their next matchup, the Rivier Women's Basketball team will host Emmanuel College, Monday, January 19^th at 5:00pm in a GNAC showdown. The Raiders look to remain perfect in the conference and improve to 3-0.  The Mount Ida Women's Basketball team will host Saint Joseph's College, Monday, January 19^th, at 1:00pm in a GNAC contest.