Providence, R.I. – December 11, 2023 – The Springfield College women's basketball team dropped just its second game of the season as it was bested by nationally-ranked Rhode Island College, 53-40, in a non-conference clash inside the Murray Center on Monday night. 

RIC entered the game ranked No. 4 in the most recent D3hoops.com National Poll and improved to 10-0 with the win, while the Pride dipped to 8-2.

Defensively, Springfield held the hosts to their season low in points, but the Pride's offense was only able to must 40 points on the night, including just 15 in the first half. Jaélen Daubon (Hyde Park, N.Y.) netted a team-best 12 points, 10 of which came in the fourth quarter, while Angela Czeremcha (West Springfield, Mass.) hauled in a game-high 11 rebounds to go along with seven points. 

RIC jumped out to a 12-2 lead at the 5:41 mark of the opening quarter as Springfield called for a timeout. After going down by 13, Springfield would make it a 17-9 game just 91 seconds left in the frame when Rachel Vinton (Rutland, Mass.) sliced through the defense for a fast-break bucket.  The hosts would regain a 23-11 edge after 10 minutes of play as they shot 50% from the floor and knocked down three trifectas.

In the second, the teams would combine to for 4-for-26 from the field, with the Pride scoring just four points to trail 31-15 at the break.  Springfield's defense continued to limit RIC's offensive chances in the third quarter, allowing them to shoot just 30% from the floor, but the hosts were able to extend its lead to 18 points entering the fourth. 

The advantage would grow to 49-27 midway through the fourth, but Springfield showed plenty of resolve, ending the game on a 13-4 run to make it a 53-40 final. 

Springfield will play again on December 31 against William Paterson in Blake Arena for the opening game of the Hampton Inn West Springfield/Naismith Classic. 

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