#CLINCHED
The Warriors are heading to Atlantic City in March after a dominant victory over Rider last Saturday. Over the past 14 games, the Warriors have been victorious in 12, holding opponents to under 60 points in eight of them. Over the past weekend, the Warriors rolled to their fourth straight win, beating Siena by 19 in Lawler. Four Warriors scoring in double-digits, with Lydia Melaschenko leading the pack with 22. Last Thursday, the Warriors used a 4th quarter buzzer beater to force overtime, where they eventually emerged winners against Marist. The win marked their 4th season sweep of the season. The Warriors held Rider to under 40 two weeks ago, a feat that the Warriors have only achieved twice in the past two seasons. Senior Lydia Melaschenko broke the single-season program record for 3-pointers (77) with a three pointer in the 3rd quarter. Madison Roman made it 13 games this season recording a double-double and 13 games in a row with double-digit scoring.
Who to Watch
Not only does Lydia Melaschenko lead the MAAC in 3-pointers per game, she leads THE NATION in 3-pointers per game, averaging 3.25 per game. Lydia hit four against Siena (22 pts) on Valentines Day, and four against Rider two weeks ago to break the single-season program record for 3-pointers. It was six treys in the 22 points win over Sacred Heart last that brought her within striking distance of the record. Melaschenko has hit 30 3's (5 per game) over the past six games. She made 8 3-pointers in back to back games last month, coming one away from a program record.
The MAAC's leading rebounder Madison Roman made it three straight games with a double-double after putting up 12 points and 11 rebounds in the win over Siena. She exploded for 23 points in the overtime win over Marist last week, making it 14 games in a row scoring in double-figures and 14th game this season with a double-double. Roman tied her season high in defensive rebounds with 13 against Rider last week. She chipped in 11 points as well.
Grad Year Balling
The conference leader in blocks, Oralye Kiefer, is averaging 2.43 blocks per game. She is 10th in the nation in blocks per game. Kiefer played hero in the teams last win over Marist making a one handed floater to force overtime with 0.6 seconds left in regulation. She scored 12 points and added on 10 rebounds for her 3rd double-double of the season.
Defending Like Warriors
The Warriors have allowed under 60 points in 10 of their last 15 games and under 70 in 13 of their last 15 games. Madison Roman leads the conference in defensive rebounds with 190 and Paloma Garcia is third in the MAAC in steals with 58. Merrimack is second in the conference as a team with 95 total blocked shots, highlighted by 58 from graduate student Oralye Kiefer.
