Late Surge by Warriors Not Enough as They Drop Season Opener to UAlbany

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS – The Merrimack College Women's Basketball team fell by just three points to UAlbany in their season opener.

The Basics
Score: UAlbany 58, Merrimack 55
Records: UAlbany (1-0, 0-0), Merrimack (0-1, 0-0)
Location: Hammel Court

Rapid Recap
It was truly a battle in North Andover in the season opener as college hoops is back. The first quarter was tight throughout with UAlbany scoring the first points before a steal, spin, and score for Jayme DeCesare for the first bucket of the year for the Warriors. The Danes held a 13-4 lead before Merrimack closed the quarter on a ten to two run to draw within one.

The second quarter was a low scoring affair as the defense shined on each side. The Warriors would gain their first lead of the game at 20 to 18 but it was UAlbany scoring nine of the final eleven down the stretch to go into the half up five at 27-22.

The third quarter saw the Danes maintaining that lead even after a few surges by the Warriors. The Danes held a lead as large as 10 at one point and snuck out of the quarter with an eight point advantage heading into the final frame. 

The 4th quarter was special. There was non-stop action as Merrimack continued to chip away at the lead. They brought it within one single point after a Rose Caso strong take to the basket but it was a silencer from UAlbany that extended their lead to 4 with under two minutes to go in the game. Once again the Warriors creeped back in making it a one possession game with 37 seconds to go after a layup from Jayme DeCesare. A strong defensive possession from the Warriors got hindered by a foul call in which UAlbany made one of two leading to a Kelly Morrone timeout and a chance to tie the game with a three pointer. With just 13 seconds left the Warriors had Diamond Christian put up a three pointer that was missed as the clock hit triple zeros. The Warriors would fall in dramatic fashion 58-55 to the Danes of UAlbany. 

Notes and Numbers

• Jayme DeCesare led the way with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists
• Rose Caso totaled 12 points in her first game with the Warriors
• Amaya Staton was in double figures with 10 points and added 4 rebounds 

Up Next
Merrimack will hit the road for the first time this season with a battle against Rider in New Jersey on November 10th.