ROCHESTER, NY – Sophomore Sarina McDowell scored a season-high 17 points on Sunday as the Nazareth women's basketball team soured past Elms College 95-59 in the first game of the Sandy DeWolf McCormack Memorial Holiday Tournament. With the win, Nazareth advances to championship game on Monday at 3 p.m. against either WPI or Hartford. McDowell finished with six assists, five rebounds and two steals. 
 
Nazareth moves to 5-2 overall, while Elms drops to 3-7.
 
Sandy DeWolf McCormack, for which the tournament is being played, was a beloved Nazareth hoops player who succumbed to cancer in 2020 after displaying incredible courage throughout her battle. She was as a standout player during her time at Nazareth, ultimately earning her a well-deserved spot in the Nazareth Hall of Fame in 1999. 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.
 
Nazareth had a great start over the first 10 minutes of the game, shooting 11-for-20 (55 percent) to jump out to a 29-7 lead. Kiara Anglin was 3-for-3 in the quarter for eight points while Leah Fusilli had seven points and finished the game with 10 total.
 
The Golden Flyers held a 46-26 lead at the half.  Molly Benetti secured a double-double in the first half, leading the way with 10 points on 4-for-6 from the floor to go along with 11 rebounds. She finished the game with 16 points and a season-high 15 rebounds and five blocks. 
 
The Blazers never really threatened in the second half.
 
Brayden Schultz had a career-high 10 points. Morgan Caraballo and Anglin led Nazareth with three steals. 
 
Katie MacLachlan chipped in nine points, while Madlyn Kelly contributed eight.