NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara women's basketball team earned a big win over Monmouth to open conference play on Friday night.

Game Summary
Final Score: Niagara 66, Monmouth 45
Leading Scorers: Victoria Rampado (15 points), Kaylee Stroemple (12 points)
Records: Niagara (3-3, 1-0 MAAC), Monmouth (2-4, 0-1 MAAC)
Location: Gallagher Center – Niagara University, N.Y.

Coach's Corner

• "It's great to start out this way," said Niagara head coach Jada Pierce. "The girls really stuck to the game plan and that was the biggest thing for us. I couldn't be prouder of what we did today."

Game Recap

• The Purple Eagles came out strong to open the game. Though the Hawks got on the board first, the Purple Eagles quickly went on a 13-0 run, with points from Rampado, Stroemple, Tiffany Corselli and Maggie McIntyre, to take a 13-2 lead.
• With eight seconds remaining in the first quarter, Rampado sank a 3-pointer to give Niagara a 21-13 advantage going into the second quarter.
• Niagara came out fiery on offense in quarter two. Baughman hit a 3-point shot to start the Purple Eagles on a 10-0 run, which was capped by a three from McIntyre.  
• Baughman hit her second three of the game with 24 seconds remaining in the first half and the Purple Eagles went into halftime leading Monmouth 40-26.
• Rampado and Baughman each made 3-point shots in the third quarter and Stroemple scored seven points to give the Purple Eagles a comfortable 54-38 lead going into the fourth quarter.
• With less than a minute remaining in the game, McIntyre sank two free throws to cement Niagara's victory over Monmouth.

Inside the Numbers

• The last time the Purple Eagles defeated a MAAC opponent by more than 20 points was on Dec. 7, 2014 when Niagara defeated Manhattan, 64-36. The Purple Eagles last won a MAAC opener when they beat Saint Peter's, 73-40, on Dec. 5, 2014.
• Rampado led the Purple Eagles in scoring with 15 points and in rebounding with 10 total rebounds. She is the first Purple Eagle to record a double-double this season and is also the only Niagara player to score in double digits in each game so far this season.
• Stroemple was second in scoring with 12 points. She also brought down five rebounds and had one steal.
• Baughman and Rampado led the team in assists with four each and Corselli had a team-high three steals.
• McIntyre's 10 points are a career-high.

Up Next

• The Purple Eagles host Rider on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2:00 p.m. to close out their first MAAC weekend of the season.
• Niagara resumes non-conference play on Wednesday, Dec. 7, hosting Hartford at 7:00 p.m.

Stay connected with the Purple Eagles through social media. Follow Niagara Athletics on Twitter @NUPurpleEagles and for women's basketball updates at @NiagaraWBB. Check in with the Purple Eagles on Facebook/PurpleEagles and on Instagram @NUPurpleEaxgles.