NEWPORT, R.I.—The Gordon Women's Basketball team continues to keep things close against the top teams in the Commonwealth Coast Conference, losing to host Salve Regina 49-40. CCC Player of the Year candidate Meaghan Harden (Sandwich, Mass.) scored 19 points for the Seahawks, while Olivia Vetere (Mahopac, N.Y.) totaled 13 points for the Scots.
 
Gordon found its offensive groove early, jumping out to a 9-6 lead thanks to five points from Vetere. However, a five-minute stretch without scoring a single point allowed the Seahawks to grab a 15-9 lead with 10 minutes to go in the first period.
 
The Fighting Scots would only score seven points over the final 15 minutes of the first half and shot under 30-percent in the period, as Salve grabbed a 24-16 halftime lead. The Gordon defense continues to be the strong suit of the undermanned squad, holding a sharpshooting Salve team to 35-percent shooting from the floor in the first half. However, nine offensive rebounds gave Salve extra chances to extend their lead in the half court.
 
The Fighting Scots scored six of the first eight points of the second half to get back within four, but that would be the smallest deficit for the remainder of the game. Over the next four minutes Harden and Brianna Del Valle (Belchertown, Mass.) would grow the Salve lead to double digits, putting the Gordon offense in a tough spot.
 
Gordon looked sharper on the offensive end in the second half, making 10-of-27 attempts from the floor. The Fighting Scots also outrebounded Salve in the period, but the early run by the Seahawks proved to be too much to overcome before the final horn.
 
Harden's 19 led the way, while Del Valle pitched in 12 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double effort. Allyson Esielionis (Shirley, Mass.) and Laura Anne Dinan (Monterey, Mass.) also had balanced games. Esielionis put up eight points, six rebounds and four blocks, while Dinan dished out a season-high nine assists.
 
Vetere was the only Scot to score more than 10 points with five other players totaling at least five. Sophie Linnell (Richmond, Va.) was Gordon's top rebounder with eight, while two players distributed three assists.
 
Gordon (3-20, 1-15 CCC) returns to the Bennett Center for its home finale on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. with Roger Williams coming to town.