Grant Posts 31-Point Double Double in Season-Opening Win at Rivier

WESTFIELD, Mass. – Westfield State senior forward Jordan Grant (Gray Maine) scored a game-high 31 points and grabbed ten rebounds to lead the Owls to a 91-75 victory over Rivier University in the 2024 season opener from the Muldoon Center in Nashua, N.H. on Saturday afternoon.

The 31-point effort was Grant's second highest career point total, shooting 11-20 from the field while adding four steals to her stat line as well. Senior Olivia Hadla (Westfield, Mass.) added 20 points while Hannah Sheldon (Taunton, Mass.) and Maddie Pond (Holyoke, Mass.) notched double figure scoring for the Owls.

Tavi Williams (Springfield, Mass.) was a constant defensive presence for Westfield, bringing down ten rebounds and generating nine steals.

Lyric Grumblatt led the Raiders with 24 points. Sydney Perry logged a double-double with 12 points and a game-leading 15 rebounds. Hannah Muchmore chipped in 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists while also registering 12 turnovers.

The Owls forced 37 Raider turnovers which turned into 40 points off turnovers. The rebounding battle finished even at 48 boards for each team.

Westfield shot 36.8% from the field (35-95) and made eight threes in 38 attempts (21.1%). Rivier was held to 32.3% shooting (20-62) and made six triples in 26 attempts. Rivier attempted 38 free throws on the afternoon which in turn led to a +16-point margin on the line between the two teams which allowed the Raiders to stay relatively close.

Overall, there were ten ties and 12 lead changes with the Owls outscoring the Raiders 46-35 in the second half.

The Raiders closed in on the Owls early in the fourth quarter with a layup from Alyssa Scharn giving the Raiders a one-point deficit. After a Westfield timeout, Pond connected on a three to jumpstart an 11-2 run with Hadla capping the run with a three to push the lead into double digits at 81-71 with 5:54 left in the game.

The Owls closed the game on a 21-6 run over the final eight minutes of the game to secure the win.

Westfield State will participate in the Gene DeLorenzo Tip-Off Tournament from Colby College on Saturday, November 16 with the Owls facing Thomas College (Maine) at 8:00 P.M.