Natalie Bruns' triple-double, which included a program record 10 blocks, led the #6 ranked New York University women's basketball team to a 77-52 victory over Carnegie Mellon in a University Athletic Association (UAA) victory on Friday at the Brooklyn Athletic Facility.

Bruns, the reigning UAA Athlete of the Week, scored 16 points and collected 14 rebounds as NYU posted its third straight win. Her 10 rejections broke the previous record of eight set by Chantal Kazay (vs. Skidmore) on January 2, 2004.

"This is the first triple-double of my life and obviously I'm ecstatic about it," revealed Bruns, who also had four assists and two steals. "I actually set the blocks record in high school as well, so this is a way I can really make my mark on both levels and it's awesome."  

The Violets (14-2, 4-2) never trailed, racing out to a 23-9 lead after the first quarter and 42-24 at halftime.

The Tartans (9-8, 0-6)  pulled within 14 points, 49-35, in the third quarter. But, NYU followed with a 9-2 run to push its advantage to 21 points before settling for a 60-44 lead at the end of the quarter. 

Carnegie Mellon again got within 14 at 62-48 early in the fourth before a 12-0 NYU streak secured the victory.  

"Natalie is a game-changer. Our Interior defense is a no-go zone for the other team," said Head Coach Meg Barber. "Her defensive intensity is her commitment to her teammates."

Bruns' unprecedented performance was supported by several teammates. Erica Miller and Jenny Walker each had 14 points, with Walker also collecting seven rebounds. Belle Pellecchia contributed 10 points, six rebounds, four steals, and three assists.    

"The great thing about our team is one night it's someone and on another night it's someone else," Bruns said. "They don't know who to guard."

The Violets return to action on Sunday for a 2:00pm home contest against Case Western Reserve University.