WORCESTER, Mass. -- Salve Regina University women's basketball senior
Sofia Neary (Wayne, N.J.) registered her 16th double-double of the season with game-highs of 17 points and 21 rebounds at Clark University, but the Cougars won, 68-54, in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) action at the Hurst Courts. It was the seventh consecutive victory for Clark (15-5, 6-0 NEWMAC) that dropped the Seahawks to 6-14 on the season.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Clark 68, Salve Regina 54
Records: Salve Regina (6-14, 0-6 NEWMAC), Clark (15-5, 6-0 NEWMAC)
History: These programs meet for the eighth time overall and third as fellow members of the NEWMAC. Ahead of its first official season in the league, Salve Regina played at the Worcester, Massachusetts, campus and defeated Clark by 10 (72-62), for its first victory in the all-time series. The Cougars improved to 5-1 with 2024's first-ever league meeting (also in Worcester), an 86-82 win.
Sofia Neary posted a double-double with team-highs 19 points and 13 rebounds, but it was not enough against Clark who was led by Alaina Schatzabel with 21 points and also had a double-double with 13 rebounds for the Cougars. Last year in Newport, Salve Regina finished with four starters in double figures led by
Sofia Neary's 10th double double of the season (18 points, 11 rebounds) to defeat Clark University, 82-63. The Cougars now lead, 6-2.
SUMMARY
- 1Q | Clark set the tone early, using balanced scoring and aggressive defense to build a lead. The Cougars shot 6-19 (31.6%) from the field and hit 3 of 7 three-point attempts, while Salve Regina managed to keep pace through free throws and a few early baskets. Clark's Kailey Rios connected on a transition three that helped give the visitors their first lead, and standout contributions from Cyriah Coleman and Emma Drefs kept Clark ahead. Multiple lead changes in the final minutes underscored the competitive start, but Clark finished the frame with a slight edge. | SEAHAWKS 15, COUGARS 16
- 2Q | The second period turned into a defensive slugfest. Both squads struggled to find consistent offense, but Clark's pressure and transition defense kept Salve Regina at bay. Clark scored only 6 of 13 field goals, yet executed timely stops and forced turnovers that limited Salve's ability to string together meaningful runs. The Seahawk offense was held in check, particularly from deep, as Clark maintained its edge heading into halftime. The Cougars' balanced scoring — with key baskets from Coleman, Rios, and Drefs — helped secure a lead against a tough Salve defensive front. | SEAHAWKS 8, COUGARS 15
- 3Q | Clark came out of the break with renewed offensive energy. The Cougars shot 7 of 13 (53.8%) from the floor in the quarter, including a crucial 50% mark from three, and made 6 of 12 free throws to capitalize on aggressive drives. Clark's defense continued to disrupt Salve Regina's rhythm, forcing turnovers and converting those into fast break points that widened the margin. The third became the pivotal frame of the game: Clark consistently responded to Seahawk buckets and hit open looks to push the lead into double digits. | SEAHAWKS 21, COUGARS 19
- 4Q | In the final period, Clark managed the clock and preserved its advantage by alternating reliable half-court sets with high-energy defense. Though Clark's shooting cooled to 4 of 11 (36.4%), its earlier cushion allowed the Cougars to absorb Salve's attempts to rally. Clark continued to create hustle plays, convert free throws, and close out possessions — holding Salve Regina at arm's length. Key contributions down the stretch came from the bench and role players who maintained defensive intensity and spelled the starters effectively. | SEAHAWKS 10, COUGARS 18
NOTEWORTHY
ON THE HORIZON
Salve Regina returns home for Senior Day when it welcomes Worcester Polytechnic Institute on Saturday to the Rodgers Recreation Center for a 2 p.m. tip-off on
FloCollege.
