NEW LONDON, N.H. – The Regis women's basketball team bounced back after an 18-point deficit to advance to overtime, but ultimately could not hold on, as Colby-Sawyer College pulled ahead for the win, 80-76, in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) game on Wednesday night.
Although the Pride scored early into the game, the Chargers took the lead in the first quarter with an 11-0 scoring run, featuring four consecutive free throws from Courtney Brewster. The Pride responded with a jumper from Haley Lightbody (Reading, Mass.) as well as a free throw from Serenity Ayala (North Brookfield, Mass.) and a putback by Courtney Doherty (Willimantic, Conn.) to finish the first quarter trailing 24-14.
The Chargers continued to add offensive insurance in the second quarter with consecutive three-pointers from Megan Moletteri, followed by a driving layup. The Pride was able to close the 18-point gap by six points just before halftime with jump shots from Doherty and Jordyn Striggles (Raynham, Mass.).
The Pride came back in the second half to outscore the Chargers 22-10 in the third quarter to trail by just one point, 53-52, heading into the fourth quarter.
Colby-Sawyer started the fourth quarter with a three-pointer from Gabby Lucertini, followed by a three pointer from Bree Lawrence and a layup made by Lucertini. Regis finished the quarter on a small scoring run to tie the game at 67 thanks to a free throw and layup from Madi Zancan (Cumberland, R.I.) and the game-tying jump shot from Striggles.
The Chargers held onto the lead during the overtime period, despite the Pride's efforts with a three-pointer from Doherty closing the gap to two points, 78-76. Colby-Sawyer collected the win after two successful free throws from Makenna Grillone, which concluded the game with a final score of 80-76.
Doherty led the Pride with 22 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Zancan earned 18 points with eight rebounds, while Striggles accumulated 16 points, three rebounds, and two assists.
Marissa Holt finished with 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists for the Chargers, while Elyza Mitchell earned 14 points with six rebounds and six assists.
Regis (9-15, 7-6 GNAC) is set to host Johnson and Wales University, Saturday, Feb. 17, at 1:00 p.m. Before the game, the Senior Day presentation will be held.