Pride Earn Hard-Fought 82-77 Victory Over Norwich

WESTON, Mass. — Madi Zancan and Zoey Swanson delivered in the clutch to secure the Pride's thrilling 82–77 win over Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) rival Norwich University. Zancan scored the Pride's final 10 points and Swanson's last-second block shut down the Cadets' hopes for a comeback. The victory moves the Pride to 9–11 overall and 6–1 in GNAC action.

Zancan was unstoppable, posting a dominant 32-point (12–17 FG), 20-rebound double-double. Swanson provided a spark off the bench with 11 points (4–9 FG), five boards, four assists, and three blocks, while Erika Marinelli added 10 points to round out the scoring.

For Norwich, Maggi Ellsworth knocked down five three-pointers on her way to 26 points and 10 rebounds. Cassidy Kittredge and Kailey O'Brien chipped in 16 and 14 points, respectively, with both pulling down eight rebounds apiece in the effort.

How it Happened

The Cadets struck first, but Perry steadied the Pride with seven early points, highlighted by a smooth euro step past her defender. Her effort helped Regis edge out a slim 17–16 lead after the opening quarter.

In the second, first-year standouts Zoey Swanson and Kristina Asmani combined for six points as the Pride extended their lead to 27–20. Norwich halted the run with a three from Maggi Ellsworth at the midway mark, and shortly after, Gracie Laster sparked an eight-point unanswered surge to give the Cadets a 31-29 advantage. Zancan then showcased her defensive intensity with back-to-back steals, converting one into a layup and the other into a transition three. Her late burst pushed the Pride back in front at the half, 39-38.

The third quarter remained tight as both teams traded baskets. With 3:35 remaining, Swanson knocked down two free throws to put the Pride ahead 54-51. Later the Pride strung together four unanswered points, but an Ellsworth layup in the closing moments trimmed the margin and made it a one-possession game, 58–53, heading into the final frame.

The fourth quarter came down to the wire, and Zancan's dominance was written all over it. She poured in 14 points in the period, including back-to-back putback layups off offensive boards and key trips to the free-throw line. Swanson then delivered a massive block on the defensive end in the closing seconds, sealing the decisive play that secured the Pride's 82-77 victory.

Inside the Numbers

• At halftime of this afternoon's game, Regis women's basketball honored alumni, Courtney Doherty '25, with the unveiling of her name on the 1,000 point banner. The guard finished her career with 1,276 total points, ranking seventh all-time in program history.
• Madi Zancan notched her second game in a row with 20 boards and her fourth game of the seaosn with 30 ore more points.
• The Pride have now posted back-to-back games shooting a season-high 83.3% from the free-throw line.
• The Pride controlled the paint throughout the afternoon, outscoring Norwich 38–26 in the lane, aided by their eight team blocks.

Up Next

The Pride will make the short trip to Emmanuel College in Boston to face the Saints on Tuesday, February 3 at 5:30 p.m.