Second half rally for MCLA comes up short against Bears, fall 80-71

Bridgewater, MA- The MCLA Trailblazers dug themselves quite a hole falling behind by 18 points to host Bridgewater State in first half.  In the closing half, however, the Trailblazers staged a furious rally that saw them claw their way within three points with just four minutes left.  The Bears responded though, closing the game on an 11-5 run to close out the Trailblazers 80-71 in the MASCAC women's basketball opener for both clubs.

MCLA drops to 4-8 overall (0-1 MASCAC) while the Bears snap a four game slide and evens their mark at 6-6 (1-0 MASCAC).

MCLA never led in the contest as Bridgewater opened the game on an 11-3 run and quickly doubled up the Trailblazers at 24-12 after a Jenna Williamson free throw.  The lead grew to as many as 19 points at 38-19 on a Colleen Hanscom layup before settling at 44-26 at halftime.

The Trailblazers were hurt by 17 first half turnovers.

The second half opened when Danielle Scolpino drained a three pointer, one of six she hit in the contest, and MCLA quickly cut into the lead.  The margin would hover around 12 points for the majority of the half, and the Bears finally pushed back out to what appeared to be a comfortable lead at 62-47 on another Hanscom bucket when MCLA rallied.

Kaitlyn Chenevert scored in the paint to start the rally and when Courtney McLaughlin drove in for a layup, the lead was finally in single digits at 62-53 with 9:42 remaining.  Bridgewater scored the next four points, and then MCLA went on a 9-0 run capped by another Scolpino three to pull within 66-62.

Jenna Williamson answered with a three pointer of her own, but Scolpino scored four straight points and MCLA was within three at 69-66.  Bridgewater would rattle off seven straight points which ultimately secured the victory for the Bears.

The Bears were led by Hanscom's game highs of 23 points and 10 rebounds.  She added five steals before fouling out.  Williamson finished with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists.  Melissa Daigle and Chanelle Melton each finished with 10 points.

MCLA was paced by Scolpino's 21 points.  She added six rebounds.  Mariah Brown finished with 12 points, and Chenevert and McLaughlin had 10 and 11 respectively.

The game was marred by 53 turnovers and 49 fouls. 

The Trailblazers continue MASCAC play on Saturday when they travel to Worcester State at 5pm.