Grumblatt Breaks Scoring Record as Women’s Basketball Runs Past NEC

Photo Credit - Gabby Cabral

NASHUA, N.H. — Graduate student Lyric Grumblatt made history on Saturday afternoon, surpassing head coach Deanna Purcell '15 as the Rivier women's basketball program's all-time leading scorer, helping the Raiders to a 73-51 victory over New England Col. in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action at the Muldoon Center. Purcell's record of 2,192 points had previously stood since the end of the 2014-15 campaign.

The victory marked the Raiders' third straight conference win, bringing their

record to 7-7 (3-0 GNAC), while the Pilgrims dropped to 6-8 (0-3 GNAC).

After falling behind 11-6 early, Rivier surged on a 12-0 run, with baskets from five different Raiders, to take an 18-11 lead with two minutes remaining in the first quarter. A scoop and score from Grumblatt, followed by a three-pointer from senior Alexa Dufries extended the Raiders' lead to 23-15 at the end of the first frame.

The Raiders opened the second quarter with a 10-4 run, capped by a and-one layup from first-year Gianna Donato, extending their lead to 33-19. The Pilgrims responded with back-to-back layups, but consecutive lay-ins from first-year Sydney Perry and a three-pointer from Grumblatt pushed the Raiders' lead to 40-23, prompting an NEC timeout. Coming out of the timeout, with 2:20 remaining, Grumblatt made history, hitting a turnaround jumper to take control of the scoring record, surpassing Purcell's previous mark of 2,192 points. Grumblatt added to her total with another three-pointer as grad classmate Hannah Muchemore followed suit, knocking down a three of her own. Sophomore Alyssa Scharn capped the half with a layup, giving the Raiders a 50-28 lead.

Rivier struggled to find their rhythm to open the second half, managing just ten points in the third quarter. However, their defense held the Pilgrims at bay, allowing only 13 points, and the Raiders maintained a 60-41 lead heading into the final quarter. Grumblatt scored the first six points of the fourth quarter, and Donato followed with a layup to push the lead to 68-41, putting the game out of reach with six minutes remaining. The Raiders cruised to a 73-51 victory.

Grumblatt led the Raiders with 20 points, while also contributing five rebounds and four steals. Dufries followed with 19 points on 7-of-11 (64%) shooting, including 5-of-8 (63%) from beyond the arc, and added two steals. Donato finished with 16 points and three rebounds. Perry led the team in rebounds with seven, while senior Rachel Guinn grabbed six. Senior Jessica Carrier and Muchemore each tallied four assists.

The Raiders excelled in points off turnovers, outscoring the Pilgrims 23-9, with their defense forcing 19 turnovers while committing only 11. Rivier also held the edge in fast break points, recording 26 compared to just 21 for New England Col. Additionally, the Raiders outperformed the Pilgrims from beyond the arc, sinking 11 three-pointers compared to the Pilgrims three. The Raider bench also outscored the Pilgrim bench 26-10.

The Raiders look to improve to 4-0 in GNAC play for the first time since the 2013-14 campaign in a home contest against Norwich on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the Muldoon Center. Tip-off is set for 5:00 p.m.