PROVIDENCE — Sophomore Megan Shoniker tallied a game-high 18 points as the URI women’s basketball team defeated in-state rival Providence College, 55-49, yesterday at Alumni Hall/Mullaney Gymnasium.

It marked Rhody’s first victory over the Friars — or any member of the Big East Conference — since Dec. 5, 2003.

Senior Sierra Cooper also finished in double figures for the Rams, with 13 points to go with three steals and a block. Junior Lindsay Harris added eight rebounds and a game-high four steals and four assists. Harris has now led the team in steals in each of URI’s last seven games.

Rhody jumped out to a quick start, causing three PC turnovers in the first two and a half minutes while building a 15-6 lead just over four minutes in. It led at the break, 33-23.

Emily Cournoyer led the way for the Friars with 16 points. Brittany Dorsey and Chelsea Marandola added 11 each. Marandola added a game-high nine rebounds.

The Rams shot 41 percent from the field while holding Providence to 28 percent. The Friars, however, were a perfect 8-of-8 from the line while URI connected on just 8-of-17 foul shots. PC also held a slight advantage on the boards, out-rebounding Rhody by a 42-40 margin.