NORTH ANDOVER, MA – Senior Amanda Shannon (North
Andover, MA) and junior Casey Miller (Fairbanks,
AK) each scored 19 points to lead the Merrimack College
women’s basketball team to an 81-70 win over Dowling College
at the Courtyard by Marriott Classic Friday night at Volpe Athletic
Center.
The Warriors shot 54.5% from the field as five players reached
double-digits in points, including freshman Hannah
DeGraffinreed (Raleigh, NC), who recorded a double-double
with 17 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. The win snaps the
Warriors’ (1-2) two-game losing streak.
Merrimack led 40-38 at the half behind 13 points from Shannon and
eight from DeGraffinreed. The Warriors knocked down seven
three-point field goals and dominated the glass, snaring 26 boards
to just 12 for the Golden Lions (2-1). Janika Sundstrom led the
Golden Lions with 14 points – including four three-pointers
– while Simona Bartkovava chipped in with nine.
In the second half, the Warriors built a 12-point lead at 56-44
following a three by sophomore Sarah Benischek (Shrub Oak,
NY) with under 12 minutes remaining. A layup by Christie
Marrone brought the Golden Lions to within three points at 63-60
with 6:45 remaining, but the Warriors closed the game on a 18-10
run to pull away.
The Warriors return to action Saturday afternoon when they host
Bellarmine (2-0) in the championship game at 3 p.m. Flagler (2-1)
and Dowling (2-1) will play the consolation game at 1 p.m.