NEWPORT, R.I. -- Salve Regina University women's basketball fell in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) action, 66-54, against visiting Massachusetts Institute of Technology at the Rodgers Recreation Center on Saturday afternoon, following an alumni competition in the morning. Sofia Neary (Wayne, N.J.) posted her 15th double-double for the Seahawks (6-13, 0-5 NEWMAC) with team-highs in points (20) and rebounds (15), but was outmatched in scoring on the other side by freshman Ruth Lanouette (Devon, Pa.) with her career-best 29 points and equaled on the boards by graduate student Mary Lobon (Valencia, Spain).

Salve Regina attempted 73 field goals for the second straight game while 74 in the season-opener against Framingham State remains the high mark in that category. The Seahawks missed on 12 attempts behind the arc, only the second time all season they have come up empty from long distance.

NEWMAC Standings -- newmacsports.com/standings.aspx?standings=321

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: MIT 66, Salve Regina 54
Records: Salve Regina (6-13, 0-5 NEWMAC), MIT (9-10, 3-2 NEWMAC)
History: These programs meet for the 10th time overall and it's the third regular season meeting as fellow NEWMAC members. Salve Regina leads the series, 6-4, and finished its regular season with an 82-61 victory at MIT in NEWMAC action at the Rockwell Cage on Feb. 22, 2025. Sofia Neary posted her 11th double-double for the Seahawks with game-highs in points (19) and rebounds (16). Three other Seahawks scored in double figures with Amanda Folan and Ashley Rourke both matching 18 points while Hope Halvarson contributing 12 points. The greatest margin of victory for the Seahawks was a 62-37 final at the Rockwell Cage in 2003.

SUMMARY
First Quarter — Tight Opening Frame Sets Competitive Tone

• 1Q | MIT and Salve Regina traded early possessions in a low-scoring, physical first quarter. Salve Regina seized a brief edge behind early scoring from Sofia Neary, who worked inside and to the foul line to keep the Seahawks within striking distance. MIT responded with balanced offense, including a timely three from Deana Prasad and efficient looks around the rim from Ruth Lanouette, to pull ahead. Neither team could stretch the lead, and the quarter closed with MIT up 13–11 as both defenses dictated the tempo and forced contested shots late in the period. | SEAHAWKS 11, ENGINEERS 13

Second Quarter — Defensive Intensity and MIT Runs

• 2Q | The second quarter tilted momentum firmly in MIT's favor. After an initial defensive stalemate early, the Engineers opened up spacing and found better rhythm on offense, finishing the quarter on a 15–7 run. MIT's ball pressure forced turnovers, and timely stops translated into quick scores in transition. Free-throw efficiency also played a role, as MIT capitalized at the line to extend its advantage. Salve Regina struggled to find consistency offensively, with missed perimeter attempts and turnovers stalling scoring opportunities. MIT carried a 28–18 lead into halftime. | SEAHAWKS 7, ENGINEERS 15

Third Quarter — Back-and-Forth, MIT Maintains Edge

• 3Q | Salve Regina came out of the break with renewed urgency, trimming the deficit through aggressive drives and offensive rebounds. Neary continued to shoulder much of the Seahawks' scoring load, helping Salve remain within striking distance. MIT countered with balanced scoring from Lanouette and Brianna Lebrun, who hit tough mid-range looks and punctuated possessions with clean finishes. The quarter was competitive throughout, but MIT's composure on key possessions preserved its lead. MIT outscored Salve Regina 21–19 in the quarter, pushing the lead to 49–37 heading to the final period. | SEAHAWKS 19, ENGINEERS 21

Fourth Quarter — Closing Out and Controlling the Clock

• 4Q | In the fourth quarter, Salve Regina pushed the pace early in an effort to mount a comeback, but inconsistent shooting and turnovers limited sustained runs. MIT leaned on its defense and controlled tempo, closing out possessions with disciplined half-court sets. Lanouette again led the charge offensively, while MIT's free-throw shooting down the stretch helped seal the game. Neither team could generate enough separation in the final period, which ended 17–17, as MIT finished with a 66–54 victory. | SEAHAWKS 17, ENGINEERS 17

NOTEWORTHY

• Sofia Neary continues to lead the NEWMAC in scoring (19.5 ppg) and rebounding (12.8 rpg).
• Neary scored half her points from the charity stripe where she went 10-for-12.
• Marissa Forino also finished in double figures with a dozen points.
• Brianna Lebrun came off the bench to provide 13 points for the Engineers. Lebrun also blocked four shots.

ON THE HORIZON
Salve Regina plays at Clark University in Worcester, Mass., on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, with a 5 p.m. tip-off on FloCollege.