Seahawks fall to Golden Bears in conference opener

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SEAHAWK WOMEN'S BASKETBALL RESULTS
Western New England 57, Salve Regina 52
Rodgers Recreation Center - Newport, Rhode Island
Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Summary
NEWPORT, R.I. - Senior guard Sammie Battaini (Leominster, Mass.) led all players with 17 points as Western New England outdueled Salve Regina University in the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) women's basketball opener for both schools. Battaini made six of 12 field goals including three 3-pointers, and added a two-for-two day at the free throw line, to lift the Golden Bears to their third win of the season (3-2, 1-0 CCC).

The Seahawks (1-4, 0-1 CCC) had three players in double figures, led by its Rhode Island pair, junior captain Mary Eden (So. Kingstown, R.I.) and freshman Torie Scorpio (Cranston, R.I.), both with 16 points.

Series and Streaks
Western New England takes an 11-8 lead in the all-time series which began in 2002. The Golden Bears have won the last five meetings which includes the last three appearances at the Rodgers Recreation Center.

Three Stars of the Game

1. Western New England senior Sammie Battaini (Leominster, Mass.) scored a game-high 17 points on six of 12 from the field.
2. Salve Regina freshman Torie Scorpio (Cranston, R.I.) poured in her season-best 16 points on 50 percent shooting from the floor. She also made five of six free throws.
3. Western New England senior Sammie Olson (Tolland, Conn.) went three-for-five from behind the arc and added a closer range basket for 11 points.

Key Stat of the Game
Even with an advantage in size the Golden Bears prefer to shoot long range (making seven of 20 3-pointers). Only one more field goal than the Seahawks, the visitors also sank the same number of free throws (12) as Salve Regina.

Turning Point
After Kerri Beland's (Attleboro, Mass.) old-fashioned three-point play made it a one-possession game (55-52) with 50 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Olson grabbed an offensive rebound 30 seconds later. The Golden Bears made two of four free throws for the final margin. Salve Regina turned over its possession with an offensive foul.

Quick Hits

• Kerri Beland finished with 11 points for the Seahawks. She also went three-for-three from the free-throw line (say that three times fast) and has made 23 of 28 from the charity stripe this season, an .821 clip.
• Beland and Allyson Esielionis (Shirley, Mass.) led Salve Regina with nine rebounds apiece.
• Paige Young (Berlin, Conn.) led all players with 11 caroms.
• Western New England held its largest lead (15 points) with 1:04 remaining in the first quarter.

Next Up
Salve Regina (1-4, 0-1 CCC) - Saturday, December 3 at University of New England, 1 p.m.
Western New England (3-2, 1-0 CCC) - Saturday, December 3 versus Gordon College, 1 p.m.