ROCHESTER, NY – The Nazareth women's basketball team showed no rust after 13 days off from its last contest, downing Baruch College 82-51 in the first game of the inaugural Sandy DeWolf McCormack Memorial Holiday Tournament on Saturday. Molly Benetti followed up her career-high 26-point game against Lycoming with a game-high 20 points on 10-for-13 from the floor. She grabbed eight boards and dished out three assists in the win.
 
Nazareth in now 9-1 overall, while Baruch drops to 6-5. 
 
With the score tied at 13, Sarina McDowell gave the home squad a two-point lead, 15-13, with a layup at the 2:34 mark of the first quarter. Nazareth would hold the lead the rest of the way. McDowell finished with 12 points on 5-for-8 from the floor with seven rebounds.
 
A strong close in the second quarter helped Nazareth build a 47-33 halftime lead.  
 
Nazareth pulled away in third, outscoring the Bearcats 19-6.
 
For the game, Nazareth shot 54 percent on 34-for-63, while Baruch shot 30.8 percent on 20-for 65.
 
Katie MacLachlan was an efficient 8-for-12 from the field for 17 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. 
 
Kiara Anglin poured in 12 points and nine rebounds. Olivia Dobrovosky notched a game-high five assists to go along with six points.
 
Nazareth returns will play its second game of the Sandy DeWolf McCormack Memorial Holiday Tournament on Saturday, hosting Brooklyn College at 3 p.m. 
 
About Sandy DeWolf McCormack - Nazareth University hosts a heartfelt basketball tournament in honor of the late Sandy DeWolf McCormack, a beloved Naz Hoops alum. Sandy's legacy at Nazareth was marked by a remarkable four-year career, during which she emerged as a standout player, ultimately earning her a well-deserved spot in the Nazareth Hall of Fame in 1999. 
 
With 1,311 points to her name, Sandy still holds a place in the top 10 across various statistical categories, including games played, rebounds, field goals made, free throws made, and blocks. As a four-year starter, she played an integral role in guiding the Golden Flyers to three NCAA Tournament appearances and an impressive 82-29 record.


Tragically, Sandy succumbed to cancer in 2020 after displaying incredible courage throughout her battle. Despite her passing, Sandy's spirit lives on in this tournament, dedicated to her memory as a gesture of gratitude for her unwavering support of the Nazareth Women's Basketball Program.

The event serves as both a tribute to a remarkable athlete and overall person and a celebration of the enduring impact Sandy had on the Nazareth University community.