NASHUA, N.H. – After being selected fifth in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Preseason Poll, the Rivier women's basketball team tips off its 2025-26 campaign on Friday, Nov. 7, at Suffolk University. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. at Larry E. Smith and Michael S. Smith Court in Boston, Mass. 

LAST SEASON   

• The Raiders concluded their season with a 15-11 (11-3 GNAC) record, ultimately falling in the GNAC Quarterfinals to eventual champions Saint Joseph (Conn.). 

• Head coach Deanna Purcell guided her team to their fourth straight playoff appearance.  

• The Squad secured the No. 5 seed in postseason play with an 11-3 conference record, their best mark under Coach Purcell's leadership. 

• First-year Sydney Perry was named to the GNAC All-Sportsmanship Team. 

CAPTAINS   

• Junior Mia Fantauzzi will lead the team, comprised of six returners and seven newcomers.  

NEWCOMERS   

• The team welcomes four first-year student-athletes Ashlyn Rhoades, Cali Laliberte, Madi Ricker, and Mariah Lorenzo. 

• Erika Fantauzzi, Haley Phillips, and Juju Nealy round out the squad as transfers. 

SCHEDULE   

• The season begins on the road with a matchup against Suffolk (11/7). 

• The squad travels to Springfield, Mass., to start the New Year with the Naismith Classic with games against Springfield (1/1) and Cortland (1/2). 

• Conference play opens away against Dean on 1/10. 

• The first home conference game is against Mitchell on 1/14. 

• National Girls and Women in Sports Day takes place on 1/31 against Saint Joseph (Conn.). 

• The Student Athlete Advisory Committee will host their Raider game on 2/11 against Saint Joseph's (Me.). 

• The regular season will conclude with a home bout against Emmanuel (Mass.) (2/21).