Women’s Basketball Downs Norwich, 64-45

NASHUA, N.H. — The Rivier women's basketball team secured a 64-45 victory over Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) rival Norwich on Wednesday evening at the Muldoon Center.

The win marks the Raiders' best start in conference play since the 2013-14 season, improving their record to 8-7 (4-0 GNAC) while the Cadets fell to 6-7 (0-3 GNAC).

Graduate student Lyric Grumblatt set the tone early, scoring eight of the Raiders' first 11 points to take an 11-4 lead in the opening minutes of the first quarter. The Cadets countered with back-to-back layups, but the Raiders responded with an 8-0 run, capped by a layup from senior Alexa Dufries. First-year Gianna Donato added a free throw to close out the quarter, giving Rivier a 20-10 advantage.

Grumblatt and fellow grad Hannah Muchemore scored on consecutive possessions, extending the Raiders' lead to 25-14 with 5:17 remaining in the first half. Norwich answered with an 11-2 run, narrowing the gap to a one-possession game. Muchemore closed the half with a layup, helping Rivier hold a 29-25 advantage at the halftime break.

Out of the break, the Cadets opened with a 7-3 run, tying the game at 32 apiece at the 4:41 mark. The Raiders quickly responded as Grumblatt and Dufries combined for 15 straight points for the Raiders, pushing Rivier's lead to 47-36 heading into the fourth quarter.

Senior Rachel Guinn kicked off the fourth quarter with a three-pointer from the wing, extending the Raiders' lead as the Cadets answered with a jumper, making it 50-38 with 9:08 remaining. The Raiders then embarked on a 12-0 run that was capped off with a scoop and score from Donato, forcing a Norwich timeout and putting the game out of reach at 62-38 with 4:17 remaining. The Raiders maintained control to secure a 64-45 victory.

Grumblatt notched her third double-double of the season, recording 25 points and 10 rebounds. Muchemore contributed 13 points and added five steals. First-year Sydney Perry matched Grumblatt's rebound total with 10, while senior Jessica Carrier led the team with four assists.

Rivier's defense forced 31 Norwich turnovers compared to their own 15, converting those into 27 points off turnovers. Additionally, the Raiders outscored the Cadets 30-22 in points in the paint and 20-0 in fastbreak points.

The Raiders aim to maintain their momentum as they hit the road for a conference matchup against Saint Joseph (Conn.) on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Calhoun Gymnasium. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.