Pigoga picks good time against Gordon

WENHAM, Mass. - Hosting the Seahawks of Salve Regina University in Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) action tonight in Gordon's Bennett Athletic Center, the Fighting Scots fell victim to their guests, 60-39, to move to 3-21 overall, 1-16 in conference. With the win Salve improves to 15-9 overall, 12-5 in league. 

Guard Meaghan Harden (Fr./Sandwich, Mass.) guided Salve's win with 15 points and seven rebounds, while fellow guard Kaitlyn Birrell (Sr./Hope, R.I.) had 10 points, seven assists, and an impressive seven steals. Birrell surpassed the all-time assist mark at Salve Regina previously held by Allegra Lovoy '09 (512).

Forward Allison Pigoga (Exeter, R.I.) recorded 10 points, three steals, and two blocks. As a team the Seahawks collected 20 steals on the night and forced 29 Gordon turnovers. 

For the Scots, guard Brooke Kratche (So./Chagrin Falls, Ohio) paced the effort with 20 points, seven boards, and three steals while forward Lauren Kranyak (Jr./Locust Grove, Va.) posted a 14-point, 14-rebound double-double. 

Harden got the scoring going on the night with a pair of free throws to begin a 13-2 run in the opening four and half minutes to give the Seahawks a lead they would not relinquish the rest of the way. Kranyak netted seven in the final four minutes of the first, though, to keep the Scots within reach at the midway point (27-20). 

The Seahawks utilized an aggressive defensive front in the second half, however, to extend their lead to as many as 24 at the 3:10 mark before closing out the game with the 21-point victory. 

The Scots will host CCC opponent Nichols in their final regular season game on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m., while Salve hosts neighbor Roger Williams University in a CCC tilt on the same day also at 1 p.m.