Salve Regina wins eighth straight, defeats WNEC 77-69

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Senior forward Erin Phillips (Morristown, N.J.) scored a season high 28 points as the Salve Regina women's basketball team defeated Western New England 77-69 Saturday (Jan. 22) to remain unbeaten in The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC).

The Seahawks also improved their winning streak to eight games to improve to 13-3 overall and 5-0 in the conference. The Golden Bears, who dropped their first home contest of the season after nine wins, fall to 10-6 and 2-3.

Western New England had an early 18-8 lead before SRU came back to take a 36-32 advantage at halftime.

Salve Regina had a 65-56 lead before the Golden Bears staged a brief rally getting within three (65-62) following a three-pointer by sophomore guard Emily Savino (Ellington, Conn.) with 1:56 left.

Phillips then completed a rare four-point play when she made a layup and two free throws following an intentional foul to increase the lead to 68-62 just eight seconds later. She also had five rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.

Junior center Lindsay Shorey (Ashland, Mass.) added 11 points and nine rebounds in a reserve role while senior guard Kimberly Horan (Webster, Mass.) contributed 10 points (including four free throws in the final 1:13) for the Seahawks.

Savino had a fine all-around performance with 17 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Senior forward Kelly McCormick (Manchester, Conn.) compiled a double-double with 15 points and 16 rebounds.

Courtesy of Western New England sports information