Visiting Worcester State clamps down on MCLA women

North Adams, MA- The Worcester State women's basketball team led wire to wire as they defeated the host MCLA Trailblazers 59-48 this evening at the Amsler Campus Center Gym.  The Lancers improve to 8-12 overall and now move above .500 at 4-3 in the conference.  MCLA falls to 4-16, and is still in search of their first league win as they are 0-8.

WSU was led by Meaghan Burns' 16 point, 9 rebound effort.  She was joined in double figures by Julie Frankian's 12 and Kelli McPherson's 10.

The Trailblazers were paced by Kayla Hotaling's double double of 17 points and 10 rebounds.  Courtney McLaughlin came off the bench to score 13 points.

MCLA never led in the contest as Worcester quickly asserted themselves.  The Lancers doubled up MCLA at 12-6 after the first seven minutes.  The Trailblazers would cut the lead to just two points as Kayla Hotaling scored four straight points, however the Lancers would respond.  They went on a 9-2 run as Julie Frankian scored the final four points of the spurt to grab a 21-12 lead with 7:35 left til halftime.  They would lead by twelve points at halftime (29-17) as Frankian had 10 first half points.

The Lancers held MCLA to just 6-26 shooting (23%) in the opening half while forcing eight turnovers.  Worcester didn't shoot very well either converting at just a 30% clip (10-33), however they owned a commanding 29-17 edge off the glass, including 12 on the offensive end.

MCLA never threatened in the closing half as they never got within single digits.  Worcester led by as many as 16 points on three occasions, the last of which came at 41-25 with 13:18 left to play.  The Lancer defense was stout throughout the night holding the Trailblazers to just 31% shooting from the field.  Worcester also held a commanding 54-36 edge in rebounding, including a 19-9 advantage on the offensive end.

MCLA is back in action on Saturday when they travel to Fitchburg State.