Skyhawks claim NE10 Northeast Division title for second time in three years

Raymond posted her third double-double of the year and led the Skyhawks with 18 points, including 11 of 13 in a key third quarter run (PHOTO BY Richard Ryan Photography)

EASTON, Mass. (February 22, 2020) – Stonehill College, receiving votes in this week's Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Division II and D2SIDA Top 25 Media polls, locked up the Northeast-10 Conference's Northeast Division title outright and a top seed for the upcoming NE10 Tournament with a second half surge past Southern New Hampshire University in NE10 women's basketball action on Paula Sullivan Court at Merkert Gymnasium this afternoon.

Stonehill's second NE10 Northeast Division title on the last two seasons marks its tenth NE10 regular season championship in program history overall. The Skyhawks, ranked No. 2 in the first NCAA Division II East Regional ranking of the year, reaches the 20-win mark for the third-straight year and 27^th time in program history with the win and clinches the top seed in the division for the upcoming NE10 Tournament. Stonehill is the only program to earn a spot in the NE10 Tournament all 39 years the Conference has sponsored the championship and will host a quarterfinal round game next Sunday, March 1, against an opponent to be determined and time to be announced. 

Leaders

Stonehill

Kayla Raymond Sophomore, Forward: Third double-double of the season with a game-high 18 points (8-for-20), including 11 in the second half, and ten rebounds (five offensive), three assists and season-best five blocked shots.

Gabrielle Reuter Senior, Forward: 13 points (6-for-9), eight rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks.

Megan Hill Sophomore, Forward: 10 points (3-for-4, 4-for-4 FTs), with eight in the first half, five rebounds and a block.

Southern New Hampshire

Victoria Dean Senior, Forward: Nine points (4-for-7), including seven in the first half, seven rebounds, an assist and steal.

Karlee Ziliak Senior, Guard: Nine points (4-for-11), two rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot.

Adriana Timberlake Freshman, Guard: Six points, four rebounds, six assists and a steal.

How it Happened

• Hill had ten key points for the Skyhawks off the bench (PHOTO BY Lewis Glass/SportsPix)

  Stonehill emerged from halftime and turned a three-point halftime deficit (30-27) into an eight-point lead (40-32) with a 13-2 run to open the second half. Raymond scored the first seven points of the run and netted 11 of the Skyhawks 13 points during that stretch.
• Stonehill held SNHU to just 25 points in the second half overall, as the Penmen made just 3-of-12 shots (25%) in the third quarter.
• SNHU drew back within four (40-36) after a three-pointer with 3:30 remaining in the third, but could get no closer, with senior Kelsey Shaw netting five straight points with two free-throws and a three-pointer to spread the Stonehill lead to nine (45-36) with two minutes left in the half.
• Stonehill carried an eight point cushion (49-41) into the final ten minutes and then scored the first eight points of the fourth to grab a 16-point lead (57-41) after consecutive three-pointers from sophomore Emily Bramanti and senior Grace Carter.
• Stonehill's lead peaked at 17 twice after a three-pointer from junior Madison Seymour with six minutes to go and then a Shaw layup a minute later.
• SNHU closed the gap to nine twice in the final two minutes, but Stonehill had the answer each time to close out the win and division title.
• Stonehill held a two-point edge (16-14) after a quarter of play, despite trailing by five (14-9) after a Ziliak basket with two minutes to go. Hill led a 7-0 run to close out the frame with five-straight points, including a three-point play.
• Southern New Hampshire led by as much as eight (30-22) after two free-throws by junior Gyanna Russell with three minutes remaining in the half, but Stonehill was able to close back within three (30-27) after baskets by Raymond and Hill.

Stonehill honored its four seniors and families prior to the start of today's game

Noteworthy

• Stonehill are winners of a season-high nine straight and 13 of 14 since the New Year. It matches NE10 Southwest Division champs Adelphi University for the longest current win streak in the Conference.
• Stonehill's 27^th 20-win season is the 12^th under head coach Trisha Brown in her 19 seasons at the helm.
• Raymond's third double-double of the year is the fifth of her career and Stonehill is 10-1 this season when she leads in rebounds (20-4 career).

Up Next

Stonehill (20-5, 16-3 NE10) awaits the conclusion of the NE10 regular season on Tuesday night for the final NE10 Tournament seedings. The Skyhawks will host an NE10 Quarterfinal on Sunday, March 1 (Time TBA), against the winner of a Friday first round matchup between the Northeast Division #No.5 seed and Southwest No. 4, which could be any one of four teams. Southern New Hampshire (14-12, 7-11 NE10) closes out its regular season on Tuesday night when it hosts Saint Michael's College at 5 p.m., before heading to the NE10 Tournament as either the Northeast Division 4 or 5 seed.

For the latest on Stonehill Athletics, follow the Skyhawks via social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Fans can also download the Stonehill Skyhawks "Front Row" mobile app, powered by PrestoSports, on iTunes and the Android Market.