Pride Use Fourth-Quarter Surge to Win GNAC Opener

WESTON, Mass. — The Regis College women's basketball team opened Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play on Saturday, January 10, hosting the Falcons of Albertus Magnus. The Pride used a strong fourth-quarter surge to pull away for a 66–53 victory, improving to 4–10 overall and 1–0 in conference action.

Regis was paced by a standout performance from first-years Zoey Swanson and Kristina Asmani. Swanson posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Asmani led the team in scoring with 13 points off the bench, converting all seven of her free-throw attempts. Jordyn Striggles and Madi Zancan each added nine points, with Zancan also pulling down 10 rebounds in the win.

Albertus Magnus placed three players in double figures, led by Isabella Fiorillo's game-high 16 points to go along with six rebounds and three assists. Ariellys Velez filled the stat sheet with 12 points, five steals, and four assists, while Ava Johnson contributed 14 points in the effort.

How it Happened

The Pride struggled to find an offensive rhythm early, shooting just 13.3 percent in the opening quarter, but stayed within striking distance thanks to defensive effort and rebounding. Regis trailed 11–7 after the first quarter as both teams battled through early turnovers and missed opportunities.

Momentum began to shift in the second quarter as the Pride found success attacking the basket . Zoey Swanson and Kristina Asmani provided a spark offensively, while Kailyn Smith and Riley Whittier contributed timely baskets off the bench. Regis shot over 50 percent in the quarter and used defensive pressure to force turnovers, allowing them to close the gap. Despite Albertus maintaining a slim advantage, Regis outscored the Falcons 16–15 in the period and went into halftime trailing by just three, 26–23.

Regis continued to battle in a tightly contested third quarter, but Albertus Magnus briefly built an eight-point advantage behind hot perimeter shooting. The Pride responded by attacking the paint and drawing fouls, keeping the game close and entering the final period trailing 44–38.

The momentum shifted decisively in the fourth quarter as Regis exploded for 25 points. Madi Zancan and Jordyn Striggles fueled the comeback, while the Pride's defense forced turnovers that led to key scoring opportunities. Regis took its first lead of the quarter at the free-throw line and never looked back, capitalizing on a crucial foul shots and converting down the stretch to win this one, 63-55.

Inside the Numbers

• Kristina Asmani's 13 points is a career-high for the first-year guard, while Zoey Swanson's double-double is the first of her collegiate career.
• With the win, Regis has now captured its fifth consecutive conference opener.

Up Next

The women's basketball team will go on the road on Wednesday, January 14th to take on the Blazers of Elms College, in another GNAC matchup. Tip off is set for 7 p.m.