LOUDONVILLE, NY — It all came together for Siena Women's Basketball Monday evening. The Saints set a program single-game record with 14 threes, breaking the previous record of 13 set four times, en route to a decisive 94-56 win over the Central Connecticut State (CCSU) Blue Devils at the UHY Center.
Siena (2-7) capitalized on 22 steals and 39 points off turnovers. The 22 steals matched their most in a game since also swiping 22 on February 24, 2024, in a 75-57 win at Saint Peter's. The team recorded 55 rebounds, their most in a game since grabbing 56 against Mount St. Mary's on February 4, 2023. Siena's 23 assists were the most in a game since they had 25 in their 94-63 win over Rider on January 26, 2023. Additionally, the team's 94 points matched their most in a game since a 94-63 win against Rider on January 26, 2023.
Francesca Schiro led the team with 22 points, converting 7 of 17 field goals and 6 of 7 free throws, while also recording career highs with six steals, six rebounds, and eight assists.
Nicole Melious contributed 15 points, tying a season high, and added a career-high five assists and six rebounds.
Genevive Wedemeyer added 10 points, including two 3-pointers, and set career highs with six rebounds and three steals.
Jamariah Turner tallied three steals and contributed five points.
Caydence Hadley nearly had a double-double off the bench, posting a career-high nine rebounds to go with nine points.
Siena opened the game with a strong offensive presence, highlighted by Schiro's back-to-back 3-pointers that shifted momentum early. The team set a season high with 33 first-quarter points, the most in a quarter since also dropping 33 in the second quarter of a 94-45 win vs. Saint Peter's on 1/14/23 at the UHY Center.
Valencia Fontenelle-Posson extended the lead with a layup and a subsequent 3-pointer, sealing a 33–19 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Notably, the 60% shooting from the field in this quarter tied a single-quarter high for the year.
Siena gained a decisive advantage in the second quarter with a series of strategic plays. Hadley initiated the momentum with a layup at 9:19, assisted by Turner, propelling Siena ahead. Schiro extended the lead with a layup and subsequent free throw, capitalizing on a fast break. Melious added to the surge with two 3-pointers, further solidifying their position. Despite CCSU's efforts to close the gap, Siena maintained control, ending the quarter ahead 49–32. The 49 points scored in the first half were the most in a half this season.
The Saints extended their lead in the third with a strategic 10-point advantage in the paint and by transforming turnovers into eight points. Key plays included Schiro's steady free-throw shooting and Garrison Freeman's scoring contributions, highlighted by a three-pointer at 6:19 that helped widen the gap. The Blue Devils struggled to keep pace, committing multiple turnovers that Siena capitalized on, ending the quarter with Siena leading 73–44. Siena maintained control throughout the fourth, with Wedemeyer's three-pointer at 6:20 extending their lead. Despite CCSU's efforts, including several free throws, Siena's defense and scoring, capped by
Dallas Pierce's three-pointer at 0:41, the record-setting 14th of the night, solidified their win.
Siena will travel to face Niagara on Friday, Dec. 19, to open Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. at the Gallagher Center in Niagara Falls, NY.
