BOSTON - Emmanuel women's basketball again showed one of its best qualities, relentless defense, on Wednesday night, as the top-seeded Saints are on to the conference semifinals following a 62-38 win over the New England College Pilgrims from Yosinoff Court in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Quarterfinals. The win gets the Saints up to 20 wins and a record of 20-6, while the Pilgrims end the season at 16-10.

After jumping out to a 17-9 lead after 10 minutes, the Saints defensive pressure continued through the second quarter, holding the Pilgrims to only three points in the frame. The eight-point lead grew to 23 as Emmanuel scored the first 15 points of the quarter, boosting the lead to 32-9.

The Pilgrims lone points came in the final 40 seconds between a field goal and free throw, as the Saints took a 32-12 lead to the half. The home side held NEC to 1-of-6 shooting from the field, while forcing 13 turnovers in the second quarter, leading to the 20-point halftime advantage.

Emmanuel's lead grew to as many as 27 in the fourth quarter, as the Saints strong defensive presence held the Pilgrims to 23.6 percent shooting for the game, as the No. 1 seed in the GNAC Postseason advanced to the next round with a 62-38 victory.

Sophomore Tyra Blye finished with a game-high 14 points on 7-for-11 shooting in 20 minutes. Junior Geanna Bryant added 11 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while first-year Kendyl Ouimette scored 10 points in her postseason debut.

For the Pilgrims, Camryn Lewis had a team-high 10 points and 10 rebounds over 29 minutes. Bailey Burke added eight points and eight rebounds in the loss.

The Saints continue their postseason run on Friday, Feb. 27, welcoming the No. 4 seeded Norwich Cadets to Yosinoff Court for a 6:00 p.m. tip-off. Emmanuel hosted Norwich on Feb. 17, as the Saints defeated the Cadets 70-49 in the only regular season meeting between the sides.