MCLA grabs first MASCAC win over Worcester 79-71
North Adams, MA- MCLA placed four players in double figures en route to their most complete performance of the season as the Trailblazers defeated MASCAC rival Worcester State 79-71. With the win, MCLA evens its record at 7-7 (1-1 MASCAC). The Lancers drop to 7-8 overall (1-2 MASCAC).
MCLA was paced Jen Wehner's game high 24 points. Joining her in double figures were Lucy Tremblay (17), Alie Dobrovolc (16), and Kate Chenevert (10).
Worcester State senior guard, Kaleigh Charette collected her 1,000th point on a jumper in the lane with 14:31 to play in the opening stanza. She entered the contest needing just a point for the milestone. She is the 17th player in Lancer history to reach the mark.
The Trailblazers came flying out of the gates, sprinting out to a 14-2 lead just 3:15 into the game. After the Lancers trimmed the lead to nine at 19-10 following a Shannen El-Qasem layup, MCLA went on another powerful run. This time, the hosts used an 11-2 burst to open up their largest lead of the half at 30-12. The Lancers would claw their way back in it behind Jennings who ignited the Worcester offense as they outscored MCLA by seven the rest of the half as the Trailblazers settled on a 41-30 halftime lead.
MCLA's Wehner and Tremblay combined for 26 points in the opening half. The Trailblazers shot a torrid 58% from the field compared to 32% for the Lancers.
Worcester opened the second half strong pushing their way back into the game behind El-Qasem. The freshman scored nine points in a 21-12 Lancer run trimming the lead to just 53-51 with 12:04 to play. MCLA responded with three pointer from reserve Danielle Scolpino before MCLA's Sara Hamilton drew the fourth foul on El-Qasem on the following possession. The run continued as MCLA pushed out to 11 at 62-51 after the foul.
Worcester got within nine, but would never seriously threaten the rest of the way.
The Lancers were paced by El-Qasem's 15 points. Kara Rogers also finished with 15 points. Meaghan Burns notched a double double effort of 11 points and 10 rebounds. Charette would finish with 13 points, giving her 1,012 for her career.
For MCLA, Dobrovolc added five assists. The Trailblazers shot 48% on the night compared to 36% for Worcester.
MCLA will host Westfield State on Tuesday night at 5:30pm.