NEWPORT, R.I. (Saturday, February 7, 2026) -- Salve Regina University women's basketball celebrated seniors Marissa Forino (Watertown, Conn.) and Sofia Neary (Wayne, N.J.) in pre-game ceremonies and then the duo helped the Seahawks to a 61-55 triumph over Worcester Polytechnic Institute in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) action at the Rodgers Recreation Center on Saturday afternoon in Newport, Rhode Island.
In the fourth quarter with Salve Regina holding onto a three-point lead (54-51 with 3:28 remaining), Forino blocked a baseline jumper and Neary collected the rebound. Neary became the fourth player in program history to grab 1,000 career caroms. She added one more off the defensive glass to finish with game-highs in points (30) and rebounds (17). Neary leads the league in both categories averaging 19.9 points per game and 13.4 rebounds per game.
Freshman Hannah Lauenstein (Delmar, N.Y.) totaled 12 points with three 3-pointers and three free throws. For the visitors, Ava Hyams (Kearny, N.J.) paced the Engineers with a double-double including 13 points and 11 rebounds. Emmy Allyn (Rutland, Mass.) and Ava Giansiracusa (Wethersfield, Conn.) contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Salve Regina 61, WPI 55
Records: Salve Regina (7-14, 1-6 NEWMAC), WPI (12-7, 3-4 NEWMAC)
All-Time Series: The teams had met four times previously from 1993 through 1996. After Salve Regina won the first gathering at Rogers High School, WPI took the next three (twice in Worcester and once in Newport at the Martin Recreation Center). Salve Regina is now 4-3 in the all-time meetings and the Seahawks are 3-0 since joining the NEWMAC.
SUMMARY
- 1Q - | Salve Regina seized momentum from the opening tip, building an early advantage behind efficient offense and pressure defense. The Seahawks shot 53.3 % from the field in the frame, keyed by strong play from Sofia Neary, who scored repeatedly in the paint and on the boards. WPI countered with perimeter strike from Emmy Allyn, who hit a 3-pointer early, but the Engineers struggled to find consistent looks otherwise. By quarter's end, Salve Regina led 21–14, setting the tone for a tightly contested game. | SEAHAWKS 21, ENGINEERS 14
- 2Q - | The second period saw both offenses cool off considerably. Salve Regina's shooting dipped, but the Seahawks sustained their edge through aggressive attempts at the rim and by getting to the line — converting free throws at a strong rate. WPI continued to grapple with consistency from the floor, particularly beyond the arc. Salve maintained control, outscoring WPI 15–12 in the quarter and took a 36–26 lead into halftime. | SEAHAWKS 15, ENGINEERS 12
- 3Q - | WPI responded in the third quarter with improved ball movement and more assertive rebounding. The Engineers trimmed the deficit outscoring Salve 11–12, thanks in part to contributions from Ava Hyams and Ava Giansiracusa, who attacked the basket and hit timely jumpers. Salve Regina's offense slowed again, but overall efficiency was enough to keep the Seahawks ahead. The Seahawk lead was 48–37 heading into the fourth quarter. | SEAHAWKS 12, ENGINEERS 11
- 4Q - | The final period erupted into a back-and-forth affair. WPI poured in 18 points, its highest scoring quarter of the game, fueled by perimeter makes and increased aggression in transition. The Engineers cut substantially into Salve's lead, forcing the Seahawks to withstand repeated runs. However, Salve's ability to hit free throws late — including clutch attempts down the stretch — preserved their lead. Despite WPI's late surge, the Seahawks closed the game with a fourth quarter advantage in free throws and smart clock management, sealing the win 61–55. | SEAHAWKS 13, ENGINEERS 18
NOTEWORTHY
- Sofia Neary notched her 17th double-double of the season (30 pts, 17 rbs).
- Sofia Neary (1,001) joins former Seahawks Kerry Ceurvels (1,155), Nicole Johnson (1,030), and Lindsay Frederick (1,007) in the exclusive rebound club. All four Seahawks also scored over 1,000 points in their collegiate careers.
- The Engineers had nine offensive rebounds in the first half and finished with a dozen on that end.
- Salve Regina outrebounded WPI, 44 to 31.
- Three Seahawks dished out four assists each -- Marissa Forino, Hannah Lauenstein, Deanna Linscott.
- Sophie Hjerpe scored nine points on four field goals including a 3-pointer.
QUOTING COACH HUGHES, MARISSA FORINO, SOFIA NEARY on X
ON THE HORIZON
Salve Regina plays at Babson College on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, with a 7 p.m. tip-off on FloCollege.
