RIC athletics recap: women’s hoops goes to Little East final, baseball starts up season

Tim Yean

Sports Editor

Wednesday, Feb. 25

Men’s basketball @ Keene State (Little East Conference Tournament, first round) – L, 101-81

The Owls pulled away big in the second half to advance into the semifinal round of the LEC Tournament. The Anchormen wrestled for the lead throughout the first half leading into the second, but Keene State’s offensive output coupled with shooting struggles on RIC’s end catapulted into the second 100+ point game allowed this season. Third-year guard/forward Xavier Mendez punched in a team-high 25 points (8-for-15, 4-for-7 3PT) while fourth-year guard Loudon Chupas had a double-double with 19 points (6-for-12) and 10 boards.

Anchor Contributor

Friday, Feb. 27

Women’s basketball vs Keene State (Little East Conference Tournament, semifinal) – W, 73-54

The second-seeded Anchorwomen punched their ticket to the final against top-seeded Southern Maine on March 1 with a great all-around performance from RIC against third-seeded Keene State. The Owls were limited to under 15 points in each of the first three quarters of play. Third-year guard Maggie McKitchen was a hot hand off the bench and neared a double-double with a team-high 16 points (7-for-9, 2-for-3 3PT) and nine rebounds. First-year forward Eva Monahan had 14 points (6-for-12) and 10 boards. Second-year guard Naima Bleou notched 11 points (4-for-7, 3-for-6 3PT) with a buzzer-beating three to close the first half.

Saturday, Feb. 28

Wrestling @ NCAA Northeast Region Championship (New London, CT) – 14th of 19, team score 30.5

The Anchormen saw three wrestlers make it to day two of the championship Sunday March 1. Fourth-year Aidan Faria was undefeated on day one with a 2-0 record to reach the semifinals of the 174 lbs. weight class. First-year Domenick Sousa and fourth-year Wil Hunt of 125 lbs. and 157 lbs. each went 2-1 for a chance at securing podium spots on day two.

Baseball @ University of Saint Joseph – L, 13-3

RIC had this game played ahead of schedule due to their original game against Mitchell College being cancelled from the snowstorm (https://www.anchorweb.org/post/blizzard-of-26-delays-debut-for-spring-athletics). Saint Joseph found home plate in six of the eight innings played as the Anchormen couldn’t find much momentum. Third-year center fielder Parker Camelo opened up the year 2-for-3 in his at bats both going for singles. First-year Finn Boyle had a double for an RBI in the sixth inning.