MCLA falls to Utica in non conference women's basketball 68-49
North Adams, MA- The visiting Utica College Pioneers received a pair of double doubles from Kelsey Cowell and Sarah Greenwald as they led wire to wire in defeating the MCLA Trailblazers 68-49 this evening. Utica evens its record at 3-3 while MCLA drops to 2-5.
Cowell finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Greenwald had 14 and 14. Mary Miceli was also in double figures finishing with 13 points. Christy Traglia added 8 points and 7 assists off the bench.
MCLA was led by Danielle Scolpino's game high 18 points off the bench. Ashley Clawson finished with 10 points for the Trailblazers.
MCLA never led in the opening half as they quickly fell behind 6-0 as Bridget Greenwald scored a pair of buckets. The Trailblazers would get within three at 8-5 when Courtney McLaughlin converted a drive, however Utica responded with an 18-4 spurt to grab their largest lead of the half at 25-9 when Adriana Surprenant made a pair of free throws.
MCLA received a spark off the bench from Danielle Scolpino who led a quick 8-0 run with a driving layup and a triple to make it 25-17 with 4:18 to play in the opening half. Utica then scored six straight to regain control as they eventually went ahead 35-20 before Scolpino's three point play made it 35-23 at halftime.
The Trailblazers shot poorly in the half connecting on just 24% of their attempts while Utica was a solid 48%. Each team didn't take care of the ball as they combined for 26 first half turnovers.
Any thought of an MCLA comeback were dashed when Utica outscored MCLA 19-3 over the opening 8:48 of the second half to take a commanding 54-26 lead. MCLA never threatened as they were got no closer than 17 the rest of the way.
The Trailblazers finished just 25% from the floor compared to 46% for the Pioneers. Utica overcame 26 turnovers to earn the win. They also outrebounded MCLA 50-37, including a 30-13 edge in the closing half.
MCLA will be back in action on Friday when they travel to St. Joseph (CT) for a 6pm tip off.