Raiders Race By Anna Maria

(Nashua, NH) Behind the strong play of sophomore Ryan Baker (Whitinsville, MA), the Rivier College Raiders remain undefeated inside of Great Northeast Athletic Conference play with an 89-73 victory over Anna Maria College.

 Baker had a superb night on the Muldoon Gymnasium floor as she recorded her first double-double of the year and stopping two assists shy of a triple-double. The 5-2 point guard recorded 11 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists in 37 minutes of action. Senior captain Amandra Purcell (Hudson, NH) was the game's leading scorer as she dropped in 26 points. Her sister, freshman Deanna Purcell (Hudson, NH), added 20 points as the Raiders now stand at 8-5 on the season and more importantly 2-0 against GNAC competition. Sophomore Jaclyn Penniman (Dudley, MA) continues to be a force along the boards as she was able to pull down, a game high, 13 rebounds.

The game was close throughout most of the first half. With about three minutes to go, Rivier freshman Shannon Marcoux (Falmouth, MA) knocked down three 3-pointers to take a 10 point lead as the halftime horn sounded.

The Raiders pulled away as the second half got underway and the Purcell sisters were the main reason. They combined for 33 of the team's 45 second half points, including six three pointers from Amandra.

The AMCATS (5-8 overall, 1-1 GNAC) were led offensively by Chelsea Blair. The junior forward from Holland, MA knocked down 20 points and shot 8-10 from the line. She also collected 11 rebounds to record a double-double.  Junior Alison McCarthy (Lynn, MA) and senior Samantha Ashton (Worcester, MA) joined Blair as the only AMCAT to record double digit games. The pair recorded 15 and 11 points respectively.

Both teams are set to return to action on Saturday. The Raiders will travel down to Boston, MA and face off against Emmanuel College in a 1pm contest while Anna Maria will host Johnson and Wales University (RI).