NORTH ANDOVER, MA — Siena Women's Basketball dropped a 79-60 decision to Merrimack College Saturday afternoon at Lawler Arena. The Warriors used a strong first quarter to build separation, and the Saints were unable to fully close the gap despite steady stretches over the final three periods.
 
Siena moves to 11-14 overall and 9-7 in MAAC play, while Merrimack improves to 15-10 overall and 12-4 in league action.
 
Kaiya Rain Tucker paced the Saints with 11 points and 10 rebounds, recording her second straight double-double and the third of her career. Caydence Hadley added 10 points and eight boards for her eighth double-figure scoring effort of the season. Olivia Watkins chipped in a career-high eight points to go along with two steals, while Alden Yergey finished with six points and two steals.
 
Merrimack set the tone early, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities and turnovers to build a 29-10 lead after one quarter. Siena struggled to find its rhythm offensively in the opening period, shooting 3-for-16 from the field, as the Warriors turned seven first-quarter turnovers into transition opportunities.
 
The Saints continued to battle in the second quarter, generating extra possessions with offensive rebounds and finding success attacking the rim. However, Merrimack maintained its efficiency on the offensive end and carried a 50-26 advantage into halftime.
 
Siena showed resilience coming out of the break, outscoring Merrimack 24-19 in the third quarter. The Saints received a lift from their bench and were more assertive in the paint, trimming the deficit to 69-50 entering the final frame.
 
In the fourth, Siena continued to compete on the glass, pulling down 14 rebounds — eight on the offensive end — but struggled to convert consistently as the Warriors kept the margin in double figures down the stretch.
 
Siena returns home Thursday to host Iona at 6 p.m. at the UHY Center.