Providence, R.I.—Junior forward Angelina Nardolillo (Hinsdale, N.H.) potted 11 points, while hauling in 11 rebounds for a double-double effort, as No. 3 Rhode Island College bested St. Joseph's (ME), 56-37, in the first round action of the 2024 NCAA Div. III Women's Basketball Championship in front of a raucous crowd at The Murray Center on Friday night.
 
THE BASICS
No. 3 Rhode Island College 56, St. Joseph's (ME) 37
Rhode Island College (28-0)
St. Joseph's College (21-8)

HOW IT HAPPENED
• The Anchorwomen came out flying in the first quarter, going on two separate, 9-0, runs to storm out to a 24-7 lead after the first 10 minutes. Fifth-year forward Izabelle Booth (Newport, R.I.) scored 11 points in the opening quarter.
 
• The second frame was where the Monks were able to bounce back, as sophomore forward Grace Ramsdell (Wells, Maine.) netted seven points to help the visitors outscore RIC, 16-5, in the stanza.
 
• At the half, the Anchorwomen held a slim, 29-23, lead.
 
• The third quarter was a defensive showcase, with no points being scored over the last 2:08 of the frame. The two teams were able to stick close to each other, as RIC held a 38-30 lead with 10 minutes left to play.
 
• The Anchorwomen started the fourth quarter with a 9-0 run to take a 47-30 lead with 6:55 left to play. Graduate guard Sophia Guerrier (Waltham, Mass.) keyed the run with a jumper, two free throws and a pair of steals.
 
• RIC's advantage never dipped below 12 points the rest of the way as the club punched their ticket to the second round.
 
• Guerrier finished with six points, six boards, eight steals and a pair of assists. Booth led RIC with a 13-point effort.
 
• The Anchorwomen tied the program record for wins in a season (28), equaling the 2022-23 edition's effort. RIC raised its program-record, home win streak to 25 games.
 
• RIC will face Saint John Fisher, which defeated Gettysburg, 55-46, in the other first round matchup at The Murray Center, tomorrow evening.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will host Saint John Fisher in second round action of the 2024 NCAA Div. III Women's Basketball Championship on Saturday, March 2 (7:30 p.m.).