BOSTON, Mass. – The Emmanuel College women's basketball team opened Great Northeast Athletic Conference play in commanding fashion, defeating Colby-Sawyer 79-53 on Saturday afternoon at the Jean Yawkey Center.

The Saints (7-4, 1-0 GNAC) built their victory on a dominant first half, racing out to a 44-21 advantage at the break. Emmanuel showcased its depth throughout the contest, with bench players contributing 41 points compared to just 13 for the Chargers (5-9, 0-1 GNAC).

Senior guard Geanna Bryant paced the Saints with 13 points on an efficient 6-for-7 shooting performance. Bryant also dished out five assists and recorded four steals, controlling the tempo throughout her 14 minutes of action.

After trading early baskets, Emmanuel seized control midway through the first quarter. Bryant scored six quick points during a decisive run, and the Saints never looked back. The Saints shot 52.4 percent from the field in the opening quarter and maintained strong offensive efficiency throughout the first half.

Lia Krumian added 10 points, while Nylah Mitchell came off the bench to provide a spark with 10 points and a team-high eight rebounds. The Saints received contributions from across the roster, with 10 different players finding the scoring column.

Emmanuel extended the lead to 44-21 by halftime, with Krumian contributing nine first-half points. The Saints pushed the advantage to 35 points in the third quarter before cruising to the finish.

Emmanuel controlled the game in the paint, outscoring Colby-Sawyer 50-22 in that area. The Saints also dominated the boards, pulling down 56 rebounds compared to 32 for the visitors. The Saints' defensive pressure forced 21 turnovers, which they converted into 28 points.

Colby-Sawyer was led by Elyza Mitchell, Makenna Grillone, and Lauren MacDonald, who each scored 11 points. The Chargers struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 5-of-25 three-point attempts (20.0 percent).

With the win over Colby-Sawyer, Emmanuel Women's Basketball Head Coach Andy Yosinoff improves to 936 all-time wins, tying Muffet McGraw (Notre Dame, 1987-88 - 2019-20; Lehigh, 1982-83 - 1986-87) as the seventh all-time winningest head women's basketball coach in the NCAA. Yosinoff's 936 wins are the third-most for a coach at one institution in NCAA history, trailing only the Naismith Hall of Fame careers of Geno Auriemma (1,261 wins at UConn) and Pat Summit (1,098 wins at Tennessee). With Auriemma still leading the UConn Huskies women's team, Yosinoff is second in career coaching victories in the NCAA among active coaches. 

Up Next: 
The Saints go on the road to Wheaton College (Mass.) on Monday, January 12 in search of Coach Yosinoff's 937th career win to take sole ownership of the seventh all-time winningest head women's basketball coach in the NCAA title.