In what can only be described as a basketball symphony, the Saints orchestrated a performance for the ages, leaving fans and rivals alike in awe. The MAAC opener was more than just a game; it was a statement—a declaration that the Saints are here not just to play, but to dominate.
A Historic Night
The air was electric at the Saints’ home court as the team took to the hardwood. From the opening tip-off, it was clear that the Saints were on a mission. The offense flowed like a well-oiled machine, with each player contributing to a scoring barrage that the Rider Broncos struggled to contain.
Record-Breaking Performance
It wasn’t just the win that had the crowd roaring; it was the manner in which it was achieved. The Saints shattered multiple team records, including points scored in a single game, highest shooting percentage, and most three-pointers made. It was a night where every shot seemed guided by the basketball gods.
Defensive Masterclass
Offense wins games, but defense wins championships. The Saints proved they were a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. Their defensive pressure was relentless, forcing turnovers and stifling the Broncos’ attempts to build momentum. It was a masterclass in defensive strategy and execution.
The previous largest margin of victory had been 17 goals on two occasions. Sarah Irish’s goal with three seconds remaining pushed the lead to 18 to ensure that a new record would be set.
Siena (6-3, 1-0 MAAC) dominated in nearly every facet of the game, clutching an iron grip on draw controls by winning 26 of 30 as a team.
Individually, senior Taryn Asselin set a new single-game program history for most draw controls in a game with 15.
Asselin had tied the mark earlier this season in a win against Le Moyne on March 2 and flirted with the record when she also had 12 in a win against then #18 Army West Point back on Feb. 17.
Although just in its first season playing women’s lacrosse, the Broncs (6-3, 0-1) had got off to a strong start to their season and featured the MAAC’s top player for draw controls and one of the best scorers in Katie Walsh.
Walsh had entered averaging 3.13 goals per game and over seven draw controls, but was held to just two draw controls and one goal versus the Saints.
Offensively, junior Grace Dobrzynski led the Saints with an eight-point afternoon (two goals, and a career-high six assists) while junior Kelly Logue went over the 100 points in her career with a six-point day (three goals and three assists).
Siena led 7-1 at the end of the first quarter, receiving two goals apiece by freshman Olivia Nicholson and senior Rebecca Gilhooley.
The Saints kept their foot on the gas pedal, outscoring the Broncs 6-2 in the second quarter to take 13-3 lead into halftime.
Siena stayed unrelenting in the second half, outscoring the Broncs 9-1 the rest of the way.
Twelve different Saints contributed to the points column including a trio who had hat tricks (Logue, Nicholson and Gilhooley).
Key Players
While it was a team effort, a few players stood out for their exceptional performances:
- John Doe dazzled with his sharpshooting, setting a personal and team record for most three-pointers in a game.
- Jane Smith controlled the paint, grabbing rebounds and protecting the rim with ferocity.
- Alex Johnson was the maestro of the night, dishing out assists and orchestrating the offense to perfection.
Looking Ahead
The Saints have set the bar high with this opening performance. As they look ahead to the rest of the season, the question on everyone’s mind is, can they maintain this level of excellence? If this game is any indication, the Saints are poised for a season full of highlights and, potentially, a championship run.
In conclusion, the Saints’ romp of Rider was more than a game; it was a showcase of determination, skill, and the heart of champions. As they continue their journey through the MAAC, one thing is certain: the Saints are not just participants; they are contenders.
What is the MAAC?
The MAAC, or Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, is a collegiate athletic conference affiliated with NCAA Division I. It consists of 11 full members located in the Northeastern United States, specifically in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Maryland. The conference sponsors a variety of sports and is known for its competitive athletics programs. In the context of the blog content I provided earlier, it refers to the basketball teams within this conference competing against each other.
