Gianna Donato led Rivier with 11 points in a loss to Cortland in the Naismith Classic in Springfield, Mass. on Friday nght. (Photo courtesy of Rivier Athletics)

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Rivier women’s basketball dropped a non-conference contest to SUNY Cortland to close out the Naismith Classic, 74-27, on Friday evening at Blake Arena.

With the result, the Raiders moved to 0-12, while the Red Dragons moved to 7-2.

HOW IT HAPPENED

SUNY Cortland jumped out to an early 20-7 lead through the first 10 minutes of play.

Junior Erika Fantauzzi opened the second quarter with a pair of free throws, followed by a jumper from sophomore Sydney Perry to spark Raider momentum.

The Red Dragons answered with a 13-0 run, halted by a basket from junior Haley Phillips to close the half.

In the third quarter, the Raiders worked to cut the deficit, holding Cortland to just 10 points.Sophomore Gianna Donato accounted for six of the Raiders’ seven points in the fourth quarter, but SUNY Cortland maintained control down the stretch.

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN

Donato led the raiders with 11 points…Erika Fantauzzi pulled down a team-high six rebounds and five steals…As a team, the Raiders forced 14 turnovers.

UP NEXT

The Raiders remain on the road for their final non-conference matchup of the season, traveling to Thomas College (Me.) on Monday. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. at Larry Mahaney Gymnasium.

MEN’S HOCKEY

SAINT MICHAEL’S 6, RIVIER 1

The Rivier men’s ice hockey team dropped a non-conference decision in South Burlington, Vt. to open the new year. With the result, the Raiders moved to 1-11-1, while the Purple Knights moved to 6-4-3.

In the opening 13 minutes of play, Saint Michael’s outshot Rivier 15-9.

The Purple Knights scored twice late to take a 2-0 lead into the first intermission. Saint Michael’s knocked in another 2:21 into the second frame.

Despite Rivier pouring in 25 shots and putting 10 on goal, the Purple Knights held the Raiders scoreless heading into the final 20 minutes, 3-0.

First-year Payton Kender broke through 1:28 into the final frame to put the Raiders on the board. The Purple Knights answered at 2:36 to restore their three-goal lead.

The Raiders kept the pressure on, firing 14 shots, but were unable to capitalize.Saint Michael’s capped the game with two late goals in the final five minutes, including an empty netter for a 6-1 final.

Rivier narrowly outshot Saint Michael’s 56-53…Sophomore goaltender Josh Kirton recorded 27 saves…Kender led the offense, producing eight shots, five on target, and a tally…The Purple Nights controlled faceoffs 38-21.

The Raiders wrap up their Vermont road trip today with a 1:00 p.m. puck drop against the Purple Knights at Cairns Arena.