LOUDONVILLE, NY — Siena Women's Basketball forced 25 turnovers and recorded 11 steals but could not keep pace offensively, falling to the Merrimack Warriors 82–65 Saturday afternoon at the UHY Center.
 
Nicole Melious led the Saints with 19 points on 8-of-16 shooting, tying her season high, while adding two steals. Francesca Schiro finished with 13 points and five rebounds, and Caydence Hadley added 10 points, four rebounds and two steals. Alden Yergey chipped in six points and matched the team high with two steals.
 
Siena led 21–18 after the first quarter and briefly regained the advantage in the second before Merrimack closed the half on a 7–2 run to take a 33–32 lead at the break.
 
The Warriors created separation in the third quarter, shooting 60 percent from the floor and outscoring Siena 21–15. Lydia Melashenko capped the run with a late 3-pointer as Merrimack took a 54–47 lead into the fourth.
 
Siena pulled within six early in the final period following a Melious jumper and free throw, but Merrimack responded with a 13–4 run to regain control. The Warriors finished the game shooting 46.8 percent from the field and went 18-for-19 from the free-throw line.
 
Melashenko led Merrimack with 22 points, including six 3-pointers. Madison Roman posted a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds, adding six assists, while Oralye Kiefer scored 15 points.
 
Siena shot 12 percent from beyond the arc, going 3-for-25, and was outscored 35–18 from the free-throw line.
 
The Saints return to action Thursday, Jan. 14, at Sacred Heart. Tipoff is set for 11:30 a.m. in Fairfield, CT.