IMMACULATA, Pa.- The Immaculata women's basketball team defeated Centenary 85-57 in an Atlantic East Conference game on Senior Day at Alumnae Hall. With the win, Immaculata has now clinched the Atlantic East Conference Regular Season Title, securing home court advantage in the Atlantic East Conference Tournament.
Abby Grillo led all scorers with 19 points, shooting 8-13 from the field.
Carly Coleman turned in another dominant performance with her 16
th double-double of the season with 18 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, five steals, and two blocked shots.
Riley Cassidy scored 16 points, with seven rebounds,
Olivia Ettorre scored 11 points, with six assists, and two steals.
Olivia Little scored 10 points off the bench, with four assists and a steal.
Before the game, Immaculata honored its two seniors,
Riley Cassidy and
Olivia Ettorre, for their hard work and dedication to the Immaculata women's basketball team.
With the win, Immaculata improves to 20-3 overall, and 12-10 in Atlantic East Conference play, while Centenary falls to 12-11 overall, and 5-7 in Atlantic East Conference play. Immaculata has won 20 games in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1975-76 and 1976-77.
COACH WHALEN'S REMARKS
"This was another great team win, with so many players contributing in different ways," said Head Coach
Brittany Whalen. "It was an all-around exciting day as we were able to also celebrate Liv and Riley, our two seniors. They have impacted our program so much over the years, and we are so fortunate to have them leading this special group."
HOW IT HAPPENED AGAINST CENTENARY
- Immaculata weathered an early push from Centenary and closed the opening frame on a strong note. Carly Coleman established the paint presence early, while Abby Grillo and Riley Cassidy helped stretch the floor. On defense, Keira Benoit, and Sabrina Little were everywhere, forcing turnovers and turning them into quick transition points. By the end of the first quarter, Immaculata had carved out a small lead and set a physical, confident tone.
- Centenary did not go away quietly. They chipped away at the deficit, but Immaculata answered with timely shots and sharper ball movement. Riley Cassidy hit a clutch three, and Sabrina Little brought a burst of energy off the bench. The team's chemistry started to click, especially inside, giving the Mighty Macs a 39–33 advantage at halftime.
- Immaculata tightened defensively in the third quarter, forcing turnovers and limiting Centenary's second-chance opportunities. Abby Grillo caught fire, and Carly Coleman continued to dominate inside. With a mix of fast-break points and second-chance baskets, the lead grew into double digits, leaving Immaculata in firm control at 61–46 heading into the fourth.
- In the final quarter, Immaculata put the game completely out of reach. The team shot over 50% from the floor and knocked down a few big threes, all while keeping the defensive pressure high. Fast-break opportunities turned into easy points, and the lead swelled to as many as 34. Olivia Ettorre hit a pair of three-pointers in the fourth quarter. With the outcome secure, the bench got valuable minutes, and the Mighty Macs celebrated their 12th conference win of the season.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Abby Grillo led all scorers with 19 points, shooting 8-13 from the field, with four rebounds, and three steals.
- Carly Coleman recorded her 16th double-double of the season with 18 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two blocked shots, and five steals. Coleman was a plus-34 for the game.
- Riley Cassidy scored 16 points, with seven rebounds, two assists, and a blocked shot. She was a plus-33 for the game.
- Olivia Ettorre scored 11 points, with four rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
- Sabrina Little provided an important spark off the bench, scoring 10 points, with three rebounds, four assists, one steal, and drawing three charging fouls. Little was a plus 36 for the game.
- Immaculata scored 34 points off turnovers, 44 points in the paint, 17 second-chance points, eight points on fast breaks, and got 14 points off the bench.
UP NEXT
- The Mighty Macs will be on the road for their final two games of the regular season. They will visit Marymount on Wednesday, February 18, for an Atlantic East Conference matchup.
