Purcell, Perry power Women's Basketball past Salem State
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rivier (6-8) | 28 | 45 | 73 |
|
Salem St. (2-13) | 24 | 40 | 64 |
(Salem, Mass.) The Rivier Women's Basketball team defeated the Salem State Vikings 73-64 this evening in non-conference matchup. With the win, the Raiders improve to 6-8 (2-1 GNAC). Salem State drops to 2-13 (0-4 MASCAC)
The Raiders continue their excellent play, edging the Salem State Vikings late in the second half. In the first half however, the Raiders and Vikings played neck and neck with one another. Senior guard Deanna Purcell (Hudson, N.H.) led the Raiders aggressive attack, scoring 19 points while also converting on four key 3-point shots. As a team, the Raiders were able to attack the basket and get to the line. Rivier shot 7 of 10 from the line in the first half, and looked to keep up their aggressive play in the second, forcing the Vikings to step up and play a big second half.
Malissa Saad (Worcester, Mass.) played well for the Vikings in the first, scoring 8 points, while also grabbing 2 offensive rebounds. But it wasn't enough as the Raiders led 28-24 at the break.
After Deanna Purcell (Hudson, N.H.) led the Raiders in the first half, it was time for sophomore guard Caitlyn Perry (Nashua, N.H.) to lead in the second. Perry scored 17 key points for the Raiders, including two big 3-point shots, and an additional 3 points from the line. Caitlin Bulger (Quincy, Mass.) also played well for the Raiders in the second, scoring 8 points. Purcell's 25 points and Perry's 24 points, were enough to send the Raiders to the late victory over the Vikings.
Sarah Callahan (Pelham, N.H.) was able to score in double figures for the Vikings with 10 points, while teammate Rachael Carter (Merrimack, N.H.) was also able to score 13 for Salem State. Malissa Saad (Worcester, Mass.) led all Vikings with 15 points.
In their next contest, the Rivier Women's Basketball team will travel to face the Simmonds College Sharks in a GNAC conference game. The game is scheduled for Saturday, January 24th at 3:00pm. For the Salem State Vikings, the will host the Bridgewater State Bears in a MASCAC matchup. The game is scheduled for Saturday, January 24th at 1:00pm.
