LOUDONVILLE, NY — Behind an incredible performance on both ends of the floor from Nicole Melious, Siena Women's Basketball defeated the University of New Haven Chargers, 80-54, at the UHY Center Wednesday for the team's first win of the season.
 
Siena capitalized on 19 steals to secure the victory, with Melious setting a career and single-game Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference high for the year with eight steals. The Saints outpaced the Chargers with 30 points off turnovers and 32 points in the paint.
 
Siena improved to 1-7 overall after their victory, while New Haven fell to 2-5 on the season.
 
Francesca Schiro scored 16 points, including converting all six of her free throw attempts, and added three assists. Melious also notched a single-season high in points, tallying 15 and making three 3-pointers. Caydence Hadley recorded a career-high 15 points, made five field goals, and collected six rebounds. Kaiya Rain Tucker recorded seven rebounds and made four steals.
 
Siena opened the game with strong defensive efforts and efficient scoring, taking control early in the first quarter. Hadley helped maintain Siena's lead with a 3-pointer, and Siena capitalized on turnovers, maintaining momentum. The quarter ended with Siena leading 19-10.
 
Despite the Chargers' efforts in a second quarter in which Siena outscored them by two, the Saints maintained their edge, finishing the frame ahead 36-25.
 
Siena seized control in the third quarter with a dominant 12-point run fueled by fast-break layups and a 3-pointer, widening their lead significantly. Key contributions came from Tucker, who opened the scoring with a layup and later hit crucial free throws, and Hadley, who was effective in the paint and on defense, adding steals and rebounds to her scoring effort. The Chargers struggled with turnovers, committing 11 in the quarter, which Siena capitalized on to extend their advantage and aid in leading 60–36 entering the fourth.
 
The Green & Gold maintained their lead in the fourth quarter, highlighted by Melious hitting a 3-pointer at 7:58, assisted by Genevive Wedemeyer. Schiro expanded the advantage with another 3-pointer at 7:33, assisted by Melious. Despite the Chargers' efforts to close the gap, Siena's balanced scoring, including a layup from Olivia Watkins at 29 seconds, ensured their control of the game.
 
Siena will host Central Connecticut State on Monday, Dec. 15, at 6 p.m. from the UHY Center.