Trailblazer women drop second straight MASCAC game, fall to Worcester 70-67

Worcester, MA- The Worcester State women's basketball team received a combined 40 points and 26 rebounds from the duo of Julie Frankian and Meaghan Burns in leading the Lancers to a 70-57 victory over MCLA in a MASCAC contest played at WPI in Worcester.  The Lancers improve their mark to 4-9 overall and 1-0 in the conference.  The Trailblazers drop their second straight in falling to 4-9 and 0-2 in conference play.

MCLA held their own early in this one as they led 11-9 following a Mariah Brown free throw five minutes into the game.  The Lancers responded with a 14-5 spurt to grab control and take a 23-16 lead. 

The Trailblazers answered right back using an 8-0 run capped off by an Ashley Clawson three pointer to take the lead back from WSU with five minutes left in the half.  An Emily Barrett layup gave the hosts back the lead and after trading scores with MCLA, the Lancers would snag a 37-30 halftime lead when Kelli McPherson drilled a triple on the final possesion of the half.

MCLA quickly got within four points at 41-37 before Worcester rattled off five straight points to seize ultimate control.  The lead then went into double figures as Worcester led by as many as 17 points late and MCLA got no closer than ten the rest of the way.

Courtney Durivage paced MCLA with 12 points off the bench.  Clawson and Kaitlyn Chenevert each finished with 10 points in defeat.  The Trailblazers shot just 33% in the game while committing 20 turnovers.

Frankian was outstanding for Worcester shooting 8-12 from the floor en route to her game high 22 points.  She added 13 boards.  Burns finished with 18 points and matched Frankian with 13 rebounds, including 7 offensive.  Kiesha Jones was the only other Lancer in double figures finishing with 10 points. 

The Lancers shot 48% from the floor but were forced into 23 turnovers.

MCLA will look to get back on track Tuesday night when they welcome Fitchburg State to North Adams.