MCLA rallies past Westfield 56-53

MCLA rallies past Westfield State 56-53

North Adams, MA- The MCLA women's basketball team overcame a slow start, rallying late in the second half to nip the visiting Westfield State Owls 56-53.  With the victory, MCLA improves to 8-7 overall, 2-1 in the conference.  The Owls drop to 8-9 overall, 1-3 in the league.

MCLA never led in the contest until late in the second half when Alie Dobrovolc's drive gave the Trailblazers a 52-50 lead with 2:38 remaining.  The Owls trimmed it to a point on a Jen Ashton free throw setting up a frantic final minute. 

Trailblazer Jen Wehner, who finished with a double double of 20 points and 14 rebounds, scored on a putback giving MCLA a 54-51 lead.  Westfield would not give in though as Gabby Felix connected with 54 seconds left, making it 54-53.  Opting to defend rather than foul, Westfield forced a Dobrovolc turnover before calling timeout with six seconds remaining. 

With the Owls inbounding the ball in front of their bench, Ashton fumbled the pass, which ended up in Danielle Scolpino's arms with just a second remaining.  Her two free throws cinched the game for MCLA.

In the opening period, MCLA began the contest 2-21 from the field as the Owls jumped out to a 22-7 lead after Gabby Felix drained a jumper in the paint.  The Trailblazers would warm up a bit though, eventually using a 12-2 to cut the deficit to just five at 24-19.  Westfield would settle for a 29-22 lead at halftime.  MCLA shot a paltry 23% for the half while committing 14 turnovers.  Westfield checked in at 38%, but was also hampered by 12 first half turnovers. 

Wehner shot 7-15 from the floor and added eight offensive rebounds.  Dobrovolc chipped in with 14 points, while Scolpino finished with a season high 11 points in her first start of the year.

For the Owls, Ashton had 15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 steals, and 4 assists.  Jenny Bell finished with 12 points, while Felix added 10.

MCLA rebounded from the slow start to shoot 41% in the second half.  They committed 22 turnovers.  Westfield was hampered by poor free throw shooting as they shot just 53% (9-17) for the game.

The Trailblazers will travel to Framingham on Thursday night for a 5:30pm tip off.