Women's Basketball can't outlast Monks, 67-60

(Nashua, N.H.) The Rivier Women's Basketball team were defeated by the visiting St. Joseph's College Monks by the score of 67-60. With the loss, the Raiders drop to 8-11 (4-2 GNAC). With the win, the Monks improve to 14-5 (6-1 GNAC).

The first half was a very low scoring, highly defensive affair for both the Raiders and Monks. Neither team could seem to find a rhythm on offense, as both teams were able to apply significant pressure on the defensive end of the ball, forcing tough shots and bad decisions for their opponent. Rivier was held to just 21% shooting on 6 of 28 from the field. St. Joseph's College had a slightly better percentage shooting 31% on 10 of 32 from the field. The Monks had the advantage in bench points outscoring the Raiders 11-8, while also outscoring the Raiders in second chance points by the score of 12-6.

Although the first half wasn't the most offensive period either of these teams have played this season, there was still some good play by both squads. Senior Deanna Purcell (Hudson, N.H.) led the Raiders with 8 points, while Chelsey Hussey (Lebanon, Conn.) was able to add an additional 6 points and 6 rebounds for the Raiders.

For the Monks, senior guard Sarah Assante (Standish, Maine) and freshman guard Hayley Quirion (Augusta, Maine) were able to lead the team with 7 points each. Junior center, Morgan Cahill (Yarmouth, Maine) only tallied 1 point in the first half for the Monks, but was able to pull in a game high 7 rebounds in the first. The Raiders went into the break trailing the Monks 25-23.

The offense and pace increased significantly in the second half. Perhaps the coaches had some words of inspiration for the players during the break, as production and shooting percentage in the second half was noticeably more refined and focused. The Monks, at the 11:09 mark, put together a 7-0 run to take a 47-40 lead. As a result of their efforts, the momentum in the game had shifted, putting the pressure on the Raiders to respond. Ultimately, the Raiders were silenced in the second half, leading to the defeat.

The Raiders had good performances turned in by senior Deanna Purcell (Hudson, N.H.) who led all scorers with 24 points. Caitlyn Perry (Nashua, N.H.) also played well for the Raiders adding an additional 12 points for the Raiders. Caitlin Bulger (Quincy, Mass.) added another 7 points for her team.

The Monks had good performances turned in by senior Sarah Assante (Standish, Maine) who led all Monk scorers with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Morgan Cahill (Yarmouth, Maine) scored 12 points and grabbed an additional 8 rebounds, while Hayley Quirion (Augusta, Maine) finished with 10 points, and Norma Waggett (Saugas, Mass.) added 8 points.

In their next contest, the Rivier Women's Basketball team will travel to Anna Maria College to do battle with the Amcats in a GNAC matchup. The game is scheduled for Saturday, February 7^th at 1:00pm. For the Saint Joseph's College Monks, they will also travel to play the Norwich University Cadets on Saturday, February 7^th at 1:00pm. This game is also a GNAC matchup.