WORCESTER, Mass. -- Salve Regina University women's basketball defeated Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 58-53, in NEWMAC action for the second win in as many seasons over the Engineers since the Seahawks joined the league.
Salve Regina outscored WPI 23-7 in the second quarter to propel the visiting Seahawks to a 58-53 triumph over the host Engineers in a NEWMAC women's basketball contest played Wednesday night inside Harrington Auditorium.
With the result, Salve Regina moves to 9-6 on the season and 2-0 in conference play while WPI slips to 7-9 overall and 0-2 in NEWMAC action.
The Seahawks found their rhythm in the second quarter, sinking 9-of-13 (69.2%) from the field. Salve Regina's offensive surge flipped the momentum, giving them an 11-point lead at halftime, 37-26. The Seahawks also capitalized on 12 WPI first half miscues to hold a 15-2 edge in points off turnovers in the opening 20 minutes.
For the Seahawks, Sofia Neary (Rockaway, NJ) and Briana Neary (Wayne, NJ) totaled 28 of Salve Regina's 37 first half points, 15 and 13 respectively. Additionally, Briana Neary grabbed three boards and Sofia Neary had two steals.
The Neary sisters combined for 42 points with Sofia Neary leading all scorers with 22 point and Briana Neary tallying 20. The duo combined to shoot 15-of-29 from the field with Sofia Neary pacing Salve Regina with six rebounds and three blocks while Briana Neary was a perfect 8-for-8 from the line with four boards. Folan narrowly missed double figures in scoring to go along with five rebounds, four steals and three assists.
Both squads return to action on Saturday to compete in NEWMAC action. WPI travels to MIT for a 3pm meeting while Salve Regina hosts Babson for a 1pm game.
Recap written by WPI Sports Information Student Assistant Maya Vartabedian '24 '25
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Salve Regina 58, WPI 53
Records: Salve Regina (9-6, 2-0 NEWMAC), WPI (7-10, 0-2 NEWMAC)
History: Salve Regina evens the all-time series at three wins apiece and goes to 2-0 against WPI since joining the NEWMAC.
SUMMARY
- 1Q | . | Engineers 19, Seahawks 14
- 2Q | . | Seahawks 23, Engineers 7
- 3Q | . | Engineers 13, Seahawks 9
- 4Q | . | Engineers 14, Seahawks 12
NOTEWORTHY
- Sofia Neary led all players with 22 points on 9-of-15 from the floor and four free throws.
- Briana Neary made all eight free throw attempts and added six field goals for 20 points.
- Amanda Folan swished a pair of free throws down the stretch and led the Seahawks with three assists and four steals.
- Sofia Neary added three blocked shots and three steals.
ON THE HORIZON
Salve Regina hosts Babson College on Saturday at the Rodgers Recreation Center with a 1 p.m. tip-off.
