Blue Jays Win GNAC Playoff Game; Semifinal Next

NORWICH, Verm. -- Mary Hyde (Derby, Conn.) scored a team-high 21 points and Devon Diliberto (Waterbury, Conn.) had 20 as fourth-seeded Saint Joseph College defeated No. 5 Norwich Tuesday in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference Tournament quarterfinal game at Andrews Hall. 

Saint Joseph (19-6) tied a school record for most wins in a season, set in 1997-98. It is the first time the Blue Jays have reached -- and won a game at -- the GNAC tournament in five seasons.  

Hyde made nine of 15 field goals attempts including three of six three-pointers and had six rebounds. Diliberto went 8-for-10 at the free throw line and added four steals. Both first-year standouts were recently honored by the GNAC. Hyde was the league's Player of the Week for the period ending Feb. 19 and Diliberto Tuesday was named the GNAC Rookie of the Year. Saint Joseph College coach Kim Martin was also named the GNAC Coach of the Year, Tuesday.

The lead changed hands five times in the opening 11-plus minutes, but Chelsea Alves (Ellington, Conn.) made a three-pointer to put Saint Joseph ahead 26-23 with 8:26 left in the first half and the Blue Jays would not trail again. Saint Joseph led 39-31 at halftime and the Cadets would not get closer than eight points in the second half. Diamond Doe (Lynn, Mass.) had 14 points and eight rebounds for Saint Joseph.

Saint Joseph will play at regular-season GNAC champion Emmanuel Thursday in a GNAC semifinal at a time to be announced.