GRANTHAM, PA - The Nazareth women's basketball team (1-0) opened up the 2025-26 season with a 60-54 victory over Saint Vincent on Friday evening in the opening game of the Messiah Tip-Off Tournament. The Golden Flyers led for more than 36 minutes and used a balanced scoring effort to secure the non-conference win. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

Nazareth came out strong in the opening quarter, holding Saint Vincent to just five points to take a 15-5 lead after ten minutes. The Bearcats found some rhythm in the second, but the Golden Flyers maintained control and entered halftime ahead 26-18. 

The third quarter saw both offenses come alive, with Nazareth scoring 20 points. Junior Sarina McDowell and senior Kiara Anglin led the way. Saint Vincent made a late push to close the gap to 49-48 midway through the fourth, but the Golden Flyers responded with key defensive stops and free throws. 

McDowell was outstanding in her season debut, recording a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds while shooting 5-for-6 from the floor and 7-for-8 from the free-throw line. Anglin finished with 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting and a three-pointer. 

Senior Molly Benetti added nine points, eight rebounds, and three assists, while junior Madalyn Kelly chipped in eight points and four assists. Senior Tess Schuey added five assists and two steals. 

Nazareth shot an efficient 46.7 percent (21-for-45) from the floor and 36.4 percent (4-for-11) from three-point range, while holding Saint Vincent to just 26.9 percent shooting (18-for-67). 

GAME NOTES: 

• McDowell recorded her first double-double of the season and her 14th career game scoring in double figures.
• Nazareth led for over 36 minutes of the contest and never trailed by more than one point. 
• The Golden Flyers dished out 12 assists and scored 17 points off turnovers. 
• Despite being out-rebounded 41-40, Nazareth limited Saint Vincent to just 18 points in the paint. 

WHAT'S NEXT:

The Golden Flyers will return to action on Saturday, November 8, for the Championship game of the Messiah Tip-Off Tournament at 3 p.m.