NORTH ANDOVER, MA - The Merrimack College women's basketball team took down the Iona Gaels 87-63 this afternoon in Lawler Arena. Oralye Kiefer scored 22, Paloma Garcia put up 17, and Madison Roman tallied her tenth straight double-double in the victory.
"Anytime you have eight turnovers, that's a really great number", said coach Kelly Morrone postgame. A lot went right offensively, but it did so because we got stops defensively."
Kiefer's career high of 22 points came on a 6 for 9 day from three point range. She added three rebounds and racked up four blocks.
"In the first half we came out really strong. That just sets up for the whole game, limiting team turnovers" said Kiefer.
Garcia earned her first career double-double on 17 points and 11 rebounds. The junior shot 8 of 11 from the field and added four assists.
"We capitalized today," said Paloma Garcia. "I think our team executed really well. Like coach said, we took pride in our defense, and I think that's what got us the win today.
Madison Roman made it ten games in a row with a double-double. The forward scored 12 and came down with 16 rebounds in the win.
Se'lah Reddick scored a career high 12 points, going 6 of 8 from the field.
Lydia Melaschenko made it three games in a row scoring in double-figures, scoring 16 this afternoon on five makes. She made 3 3's which makes it 19 in the past three games.
The 87 points scored is the most against a division I opponent this year.
The Warriors also had a season high in assists with 25.
The Warriors head to Hamden this Saturday to take on first-place Quinnipiac. Tip off against the Bobcats is set for 2pm.
