RINDGE, N.H. (February 12, 2022) – Despite strong offensive performances from seniors Emma Carter (Bristol, Vt.) and Rylee Skinner (Leominster, Mass.), who had 24 and 18 points, respectively, the Franklin Pierce University women's basketball team fell to the Saint Michael's Purple Knights, by a score of 78-74, in a Northeast-10 Conference matchup in the Fieldhouse. Senior Emma MacDonough led four Purple Knights in double figures with a game-high 26 in the victory for Saint Michael's.

With the loss, Franklin Pierce falls to 10-9 (6-7 NE10), while Saint Michael's improved to 4-16 (2-12 NE10). The Ravens are thus far 1-2 on a tough, end-of-season stretch which will see them play nine times in 15 days.

The first half was tight throughout, and Saint Michael's held a one-point lead at the break (39-38). Of the 38 points for the Ravens, 14 came from Carter, while sophomore Ines Gimenez Monserrat (Mallorca, Spain) added 10 in the first two quarters. Gisela Vazquez Segura (Igualada, Spain) was held scoreless in the first half, but the sophomore was able to bring in five rebounds to help her team inside the paint.

MacDonough and fellow senior Nicole Anderson helped the Purple Knights to the halftime lead with 12 and 10 points, respectively. MacDonough also tallied three assists and a steal in the half.

After trailing by one at halftime, the Ravens posted a 23-19 advantage in the third quarter to lead with 10 minutes to play. Franklin Pierce led by four (72-68) as late as 3:24 to play, following a pair of free throws from Carter. The game was tied at 74 with 53 seconds to play, but a layup from junior Anika Kapral with 19 seconds remaining would stand as the difference. Carter came up empty on the ensuing possession and then Saint Michael's sophomore Paige Slaven knocked down a pair of foul shots to seal the deal.

Skinner contributed 12 points in the second half on her way to the 18 off the bench, while Carter chipped in 10 more to finish with her team-leading 24. Segura led all players in both rebounds (11) and assists (6).

MacDonough finished with a game-high 26 points, while Anderson added 17. Slaven finished with a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Next up for the Ravens is a trip to Albany, N.Y., and Nolan Gymnasium for a Valentine's Day date with the Saint Rose Golden Knights on Monday, Feb. 14, at 5 p.m.