NEWPORT, R.I. -- Salve Regina University women's basketball senior captain
Sofia Neary (Wayne, N.J.) had a double-double by halftime as the Seahawks scored a 75-69 win at Wheaton College in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) action at
Emerson Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon in Norton, Massachusetts.
Neary, who continues to lead the conference in both scoring (20.3 ppg) and rebounding (13.3 rpg), had today's double-double in the first 20 minutes with 21 points (finished with game-high 25) and 10 rebounds (finished with game-high 15) for the Seahawks.
Hannah Lauenstein (Delmar, N.Y.) scored 13 points for the visitors including a pair of threes. She also had a long-distance assist in the first half with
Sophie Hjerpe (Northborough, Mass.) getting the lay in at the other end. Hjerpe also swished a couple from behind the arc to finish with 10 points.
Frankie Spadorcia (Braintree, Mass.) came off the bench to score 10 points on four of nine from the floor and two from the stripe.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Salve Regina 75, Wheaton 69
Records: Salve Regina (7-15, 1-7 NEWMAC), Wheaton (5-17, 1-7 NEWMAC)
History: These programs meet for the 19th time and third as fellow members of the NEWMAC. Salve Regina won the first-ever league meeting between the two in 2024 in Norton, Massachusetts, as
Briana Neary (21 points/four rebounds) and sister
Sofia Neary combined to score 35 points and grab 20 rebounds in an 81-58 final. The Lyons won the last non-league meeting a year earlier, 61-52, also on the Emerson Gymnasium floor as Abby Fernandes and Greta Minos led their team with 16 and 15 points, respectively. Last year in Newport, the Seahawks rallied from a 17-point second-quarter deficit for an eight-point victory, 71-63.
Sofia Neary had a double-double in the second half alone (12 points, 11 rebounds) and finished the game with 18 points and 16 caroms.
Briana Neary led all players with 23 points on six field goals and 11-for-11 from the line. Salve Regina now leads the series, 13-6.
SUMMARY
- 1Q | The Seahawks opened strongly, taking an early lead out of the first stoppage of play. Wheaton's Cheyenne Colbert converted a layup midway through the quarter, but contest control was balanced with Salve Regina's Sofia Neary asserting herself inside early with paint points. Despite Salve Regina's initial runs, Wheaton finished the period on a positive scoring stretch, finishing the quarter 16–11 ahead. Both teams showed early intensity, but turnovers and missed shots kept the quarter tightly contested with Wheaton holding a narrow lead. | SEAHAWKS 11, LYONS 16
- 2Q | Salve Regina drastically changed the game's trajectory with a standout second quarter, outhustling and outscoring Wheaton 24–16. The Seahawks' offense ticked more consistently, with contributions from multiple scorers including Neary (who eventually led all scorers) and others knocking down timely shots. Their defensive intensity rose, forcing Wheaton into turnovers and limiting second-chance looks. By halftime, Salve Regina had flipped the deficit into a 35–32 lead. | SEAHAWKS 24, LYONS 16
- 3Q | The third period saw continued tight play. Both teams traded momentum and scoring opportunities across the stanza, but Salve Regina managed to extend its lead slightly, outscoring Wheaton 19–14. Neary remained in control in the paint and on the glass, helping the Seahawks maintain a slim advantage despite Wheaton's spirited scoring efforts, led by Colbert and Regan Keyter. With the margin still close, Salve Regina entered the final quarter with a 54–46 lead. | SEAHAWKS 19, LYONS 14
- 4Q | In the final period, Salve Regina continued to execute efficiently on both ends. They extended their lead further with consistent scoring and by tightening defensively. Although Wheaton's offense continued to chip away, Salve Regina's composure down the stretch, combined with balanced contributions, including a baseline drive for Deanna Linscott, sealing the 75–69 victory. The Seahawks' balanced attack and resilient offensive execution under pressure proved decisive. | SEAHAWKS 21, LYONS 23
NOTEWORTHY
- Sofia Neary had today's double-double in the first 20 minutes with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
- Neary continues to lead the conference in both scoring (20.3 ppg) and rebounding (13.3 rpg) after finishing with game-highs in both -- 25 points and 15 boards.
- Salve Regina dominated the boards with a 15-rebound margin, 55-to-40.
ON THE HORIZON
Salve Regina hosts Mount Holyoke at the Rodgers Recreation Center for a 7 p.m. tip-off on FloCollege in the final home contest of the regular season on Wednesday, February 18.
