BUFFALO, N.Y. — D'Youville defeated Chestnut Hill College, 76-61, at Saints Center Gym, securing the win behind a strong defensive performance with nine blocks. The Saints capitalized on turnovers, converting 16 points off the Griffins' 14 errors, and maintained a 32-14 advantage in paint points to control the game.

D'Youville opened the first quarter with effective shooting, converting 9-of-16 from the field, including four 3-pointers. The home team capitalized on their defensive rebounds, securing 11, and used those opportunities to score in the paint, with Alyssa Neumann (Silverdale, Wash. / Central Kitsap) contributing early with a jumper assisted by Molly O'Toole (Rochester, N.Y. / Aquinas Institute) at 9:16. Despite the Griffins' attempts to keep the game tight, the Saints maintained control, aided by Xanthippi Karatasiou's (Katerini, Greece / Kontariotissa) two late 3-pointers, the latter of which extended their lead to 22–18 by the end of the quarter.

D'Youville seized control in the second quarter with an assertive performance, highlighted by Morgan Giancaterino's (Orchard Park, N.Y. / Sacred Hearty Academy) layup and subsequent free throw just eight seconds in, which set the tone for the quarter. The Saints capitalized on their fast break opportunities, notably when Giancaterino followed a steal by Ava Pearson (Colonie, N.Y. / Colonie) with another layup at 6:45. Aliviya Vallone Russell (Buffalo, N.Y. / Cardinal O'Hara) contributed by hitting crucial 3-pointers, including one at 0:29, extending their lead. The home team dominated the quarter, outscoring the Griffins 21–10, and entered halftime leading 43–28.

In the third quarter, D'Youville maintained control with a strong interior presence, scoring 10 points in the paint. Alyssa Neumann was effective, contributing multiple layups, including one assisted by Ava Pearson at 9:15 to extend the lead to 45-28. Pearson also added a 3-pointer with 6:54 left, assisted by Molly O'Toole, pushing the score to 50-28. Despite the Griffins' efforts, including a fast-break 3-pointer at 6:19, D'Youville's defense held firm with three blocks in the quarter. The home team concluded the quarter with a 58-45 lead over the Griffins.

In the fourth quarter, D'Youville outscored the Griffins 18-16, securing a 76-61 victory. Morgan Giancaterino was instrumental, contributing multiple key baskets, including a layup with 44 seconds left. Molly O'Toole added to the home team's scoring efforts with a 3-pointer and defensive rebounds. The Griffins' Tikyra Miller led their response with consistent scoring, including successful free throws, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. D'Youville's defensive efforts, including three blocks, helped maintain their lead throughout the quarter.

Molly O'Toole scored 12 points and recorded two blocks, contributing significantly to the defensive efforts. Alyssa Neumann tallied 17 points and added two blocks, showcasing her offensive capabilities. Xanthippi Karatasiou finished with 13 points, including three from beyond the arc, demonstrating her shooting range. Morgan Giancaterino led all scorers with 19 points and converted 8 of 15 field goal attempts. Ava Pearson facilitated the offense with six assists and collected five rebounds. Allie Hall (Rochester, N.Y. / Bishop Kearney) recorded a career-high four blocks as well. 

Up Next
The Saints are back in action on Tuesday, November 25th as they travel to take on Mansfield University at 6:00 PM.