BUFFALO, N.Y. — D'Youville (6-6, 3-1 ECC) secured a 60-50 victory over the Lake Erie College Storm (2-8, 1-3 G-MAC) at Saints Center Gym. The Saints established a commanding lead with a 42-26 advantage at halftime and maintained control throughout, converting 16 of 23 free throws and out-rebounding the Storm 45-37. The Storm's effort included 12 steals, but D'Youville's 17 points off turnovers proved decisive.
D'Youville opened the game with a strong defensive effort, converting turnovers into points and showing efficiency in fast breaks.
Alyssa Neumann (Silverdale, Wash. / Central Kitsap) contributed with two quick layups, while
Molly O'Toole (Rochester, N.Y. / Aquinas Institute) tied the game at 11 with a 3-pointer at 4:46. D'Youville capitalized on the Storm's turnovers, closing the quarter on a 12–0 run that included a 3-pointer from
Xanthippi Karatasiou (Katerini, Greece / Kontariotissa) and a layup from
Megan Fedor (Elmira, N.Y. / Elmira). The home team ended the first quarter with a 20–11 lead.
D'Youville extended their lead in the second quarter with a strong start, highlighted by Neumann's fast-break layup at 9:50, assisted by
Samantha Ruhlman (Warren, Pa. / Warren Area). The home team capitalized on turnovers, converting them into quick points including a layup by Fedor at 1:24 to push the score further. D'Youville's defensive efforts and efficient free throw shooting, with
Aliviya Vallone Russell (Buffalo, N.Y. / Cardinal O'Hara) making key free throws at 0:23, maintained their momentum. The quarter concluded with D'Youville ahead 42–26.
D'Youville capitalized early in the third quarter with O'Toole's fast-break 3-pointer at 8:36, extending their lead to 45–29. Despite facing pressure from the Storm, which included a strong showing from the bench, D'Youville maintained defensive solidity with key rebounds and steals, highlighted by Fedor's defensive efforts. The quarter concluded with D'Youville leading 51–43.
D'Youville maintained control throughout the final quarter, starting with a layup by
Karly Holm (Two Harbors, Minn. / Two Harbors) at 9:37, which extended their lead. Despite the Storm narrowing the gap to six points with a jumper from at 6:23, D'Youville responded promptly with free throws by Fedor at 6:02, keeping their advantage intact. A key defensive play by Neumann, who blocked a layup attempt and scored on a fast break at 3:15, further solidified D'Youville's position. The home team concluded the quarter with free throws by Russell, sealing a 60-50 victory over the Storm.
Neumann led the team with 12 points, connecting on 6 of 12 baskets, and added two blocks. Russell contributed nine points, converting 9 of 11 free throws, and recorded two steals. O'Toole also scored 12 points, hitting two 3-pointers and finishing with five rebounds. Ruhlman collected seven rebounds and added one assist.
Up Next
The Saints are back in action in 2026 as they return to ECC conference play with a game against the College of Staten Island at home on January 9th at 5:30 PM.