MCLA avenges early season setback to Salem with 72-51 victory.

North Adams, MA- Behind a pair of double doubles from seniors Alie Dobrovolc and Jen Wehner, the MCLA women's basketball team earned a key 72-51 MASCAC victory over visiting Salem State.  The Trailblazers avenged an earlier loss to the Vikings and improved to 11-9 overall (4-3 MASCAC).  Salem drops to 9-12 overall (5-3 MASCAC).

After opening up a double digit lead at halftime, MCLA kept up the momentum early in the second half to pull away.  They outscored Salem 16-6 out of the locker room to push out to a commanding 50-30 lead with 14:02 left to play.  The run was highlighted by Wehner's nine points.

Salem closed the gap to 15 points on one occasion, but MCLA had the answer eventually pulling ahead by as many as 23 before settling on the final margin.

MCLA led for most of the first half as the only lead the Vikings had was early on at 6-5.  The Trailblazers used a pair of runs to push out to leads in the opening twenty minutes.  With the score at 13-12 in favor of the hosts, MCLA used a 10-3 run to take a 23-15 lead with 7:58 until halftime.  After Salem fought back to within four at 23-19, the Trailblazers outscored the Vikings 11-5 to post a 34-24 halftime lead.

Both teams were hurt by turnovers in the opening half as MCLA committed 15 and Salem had 12.  The Trailblazers were able to hold the lead as they shot 48% as compared to just 30% for the Vikings.

Wehner asserted herself all night long, finishing with 20 points, 13 boards, 5 blocks, and 4 steals.  Dobrovolc had 23 points, 11 rebounds, and a game high 7 assists.  Lucy Tremblay also finished in double figures connecting on three from beyond the arc en route to her 11 points.

Salem State was led by Rachael Carter's team high 10 points.  The freshman did not score in the second half and was the only Viking in double figures. 

MCLA shot 43% on the night compared to only 27% for Salem.

The Trailblazers head out to the road on Saturday when they face Worcester State at 3:30pm.