Deanna Purcell surpasses 2,000 career points in overtime loss

(Nashua, N.H.) The Rivier University Women's Basketball team fell to the visiting Pine Manor College Gators 97-95 in overtime this evening at the Muldoon Gymnasium. The loss drops the Raiders to 7-9 (3-1 GNAC) while the win lifts the Gators to a 8-6 record.

Although the Raiders lost this evening, the biggest story of the night was senior guard Deanna Purcell (Hudson, N.H.) scoring her 2,000^th point. Purcell becomes the 1^st player in Rivier basketball history to eclipse 2,000 points and also becomes the 2^nd player in GNAC Women's basketball history to record acomplish the milestone.

This was a game of accurate shooting for both teams. The Pine Manor Gators were able to shoot 50% on 14 of 28 shooting in the first half, while the Raiders were able to shoot 46% on 13 of 28 shooting. This was also a game of aggressive play, the first half saw Pine Manor attempt 13 free throws, while the Raiders attempted an additional 12 free throws. The Gators had a lot of help from their bench, as they were able to outscore the Raiders 22 to 4. The Raiders were led by senior Purcell in the first half, as she scored a game high 17 points. Heading into the game, Purcell was only 23 points shy of breaking the 2,000 point barrier. Scoring 17 in the opening half, set Purcell up perfectly to break the 2,000 point mark in the second.

Sophomore guard Caitlyn Perry (Nashua, N.H.) also played well for the Raiders in the first half, scoring 7 points while dishing out 4 assists. Sophomores Caitlin Bulger (Quincy, Mass.) and Rebecca DeBaldo (Pelham, N.H.) each had 5 points for the Raiders.

Pine Manor had good efforts turned in by Natasia Franklin (Windsor, Conn.) and Khiyana Isaac (Roxbury, Mass.) each scored 7 points. The Raiders trailed 38-40 heading into the second half.

The second half was filled with emotions, especially when senior guard Deanna Purcell, with a hand in her face, was able to knock down a deep 3-point shot, to clinch her spot in both GNAC and Rivier history.  Purcell, with the shot, was able to eclipse the 2,000 point mark, becoming the 1^st player in Rivier basketball history to record more than 2,000 points, and also became the 2^nd player in GNAC Women's history to record 2,000 points in a career. The crowd rose to their feet, and gave the senior a much deserved standing ovation, only a small gesture to congratulate one of the finest careers in Rivier basketball history.  

Purcell finished the game with 24 points, Perry added 16 points, including 12 from the free throw line, and Bulger added 15 points for the Raiders.

Maria Vaughan (Okinawa, Japan) led the Gators with 20 points, while Natasia Franklin (Windsor, Conn.) added 15 points.

In their next contest, the Rivier University Women's Basketball team will travel to Johnson & Wales University Saturday, January 31^st to play in a GNAC showdown. The game is scheduled to begin at 3:00pm. As for the Gators, they will host Vermont Tech Sunday, February 1^st at 1:00pm in a non-conference matchup.