Stifling defensive effort propels MCLA past Westfield 60-35

North Adams, MA- The MCLA Women's basketball team earned their first MASCAC win of the season defeating rival Westfield State 60-35 Tuesday night at the Amsler Campus Center.  The Trailblazers held the Owls to 16% shooting on the night.  With the win, MCLA improves to 11-3 (1-2 MASCAC) while Westfield falls to 7-9 (1-3 MASCAC.

The Owls scored the opening four points of the game which would turn out to be their only lead of the night.  MCLA responded with a 7-0 run as junior Molly Broda (Southampton, MA) knocked down a three followed by buckets from Freshmen Lucy Tremblay (East Greenbush, NY) and Jen Wehner (Cooperstown, NY).  The Trailblazers would keep a moderate edge the remainder of the half as they held Westfield to 21% shooting en route to a 26-20 edge.

The second half saw the teams trade baskets out of the locker room until MCLA used an 8-2 run to take a commanding 38-26 lead.  The run was fueled by a key three pointer from Broda.  The Owls would trim the lead to 10 with 8:00 minutes remaining on a pair of free throws by Cassy Jouannet making the score 42-32. 

MCLA then went on a 11-0 run to essentially put the game away.  Wehner had a pair of buckets in the run as well as another three from Broda. 

The Trailblazer defense was the story as they held the Owls to 16% shooting on the evening (9-56).

MCLA was led by Tremblay who would finish with a game high of 14 points.  Wehner would collect 12, while Broda finished with 11.  Senior Laura Silverman (Ballston Spa, NY) would finish with 10 boards.  MCLA held a decisive edge on the glass 47-32.

The Owls were led by Sarah Boudreau who finished with 9 points.

MCLA returns to the road on Thursday when they travel to Framingham State.