Freshman forward Nicole Arnone's first career double-double, 15 points and 12 rebounds, led Molloy to a 65-43 rout of Chestnut Hill in the Lions season opener at Quealy Gymnasium. Sophomore Jessica Denicola added 18 points for the Lions in the victory. The Griffins got a team-high 10 points from Lindsay Alexander.
Coach Tim O’Hagan was happy with the way his forwards performed in the win. “I thought it showed how deep we are as a team,” O’Hagan said. “When we brought Nicole in we knew what we were getting. She has a tremendous motor and as you saw tonight can knock down the three. It was just a matter of time for Jess to break out. The last two games she got in a lot of foul trouble so it was nice to get her going.”
Molloy pulled away early in the first half thanks to a 13-2 run sparked by a pair of three-pointers from Arnone, and one from junior guard Laura Rivera that gave Molloy a 21-10 lead. After Chestnut Hill cut into the lead on a lay up from Alexander, the Lions ended the half on a 12-4 run to take a commanding 33-16 lead at the break.
Arnone and Denicola both chipped in six points early on in the second half as Molloy broke the game wide open, taking a 52-22 lead. The Griffins never challenged.
Denicola was glad she could contribute to her team's victory. "It feels really great. This was a big win for us as a team. Everyone came out ready to play tonight and we played together. Our defense was solid and everyone really stepped up on offense. the energy and intensity was there the entire game," Denicola said.
With the win the Lions improve to 2-1. Molloy will take on Concordia on November 16.
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