Late rally lifts MCLA past rival Westfield State 72-70

Westfield, MA- MCLA's Alie Dobrovolc finished an assist shy of a triple double and teammate Jen Wehner scored seven straight points in a decisive run late in the second half to push the Trailblazers past Westfield State University 72-70 in a key MASCAC contest.  MCLA, now 5-4 in conference play and 12-10 overall, earned the season sweep over the Owls.  Westfield drops to 4-6 in MASCAC play, 11-12 overall.

Dobrovolc finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists as she played all forty minutes for MCLA.  Wehner had a huge second half, especially on the offensive glass, finishing with a game high 21 points and 13 rebounds.

MCLA trailed most of the second half, and was behind 61-57 when the Owls Jen Ashton, who had a team high 20 points, was whistled for an offensive foul which was her fifth of the game sending her to the bench with 3:27 remaining.  That call seemed to fuel MCLA as Wehner would score seven straight points to push MCLA in front 64-61 with just over two minutes remaining.

The spurt would continue when Trailblazer Lucy Tremblay's three pointer pushed MCLA out to a 67-61 lead with 1:39 left and Olivia McMullen converted the back end at the stripe and MCLA led by seven.  Westfield, however, had one spurt left.

The Owls Courtney Kegresse swished a pair from the line before and following an MCLA turnover, Janae Jones' drive cut the lead to 68-65.  MCLA's Tremblay was left alone under the basket as Westfield attempted to foul and her uncontested layup put the Trailblazers back up by five with 26 seconds left.

A Jenny Bell drive pulled Westfield within three once more, but Tremblay answered with a pair of free throws to secure the win.  Kegresse banked home a three pointer as time was expiring for the final margin.

The Owls were led by Ashton's big night.  The freshman added 6 rebounds and 6 assists before fouling out.  Gabby Felix, Kegresse, and Bell each finished with 12 points.  Jones added 8 assists on the night.

Dobrovolc was 8-19 for the night from the floor.  Wehner was 8-12 from the floor, 6-7 in the second half.  Tremblay added 19 points, including four three pointers. 

The Trailblazers will look to continue their push towards the postseason when they host Framingham State on Saturday at 1pm.