Defense leads MCLA women past Wheaton (MA) 55-42 in Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, FL- The MCLA women's basketball team held Wheaton (MA) to just 27% shooting and placed three players in double figures as the Trailblazers handed the Lyons a 55-42 loss at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, FL.  With the win, MCLA improves to 5-4 on the season while the Lyons drop to 2-6.

The Lyons attempted 16 more shots than the Trailblazers, however MCLA held them to just 17-63 from the field.  The Trailblazers actually made more FG's than the Lyons even though they took just 47 shots in the game.

MCLA started slowly as the Lyons surged to an early 8-2 advantage, but the Trailblazers would rally behind Kayla Hotaling and trail just 12-11 after one quarter of play.  Hotaling would continue to lead the offense in the second quarter and heading into the locker room, MCLA would own a 28-19 advantage.

The lead would quickly grow to double digits and at the end of three MCLA led 40-29 before Wheaton would rally.  MCLA enjoyed their biggest lead of the night at 44-32 after an Emily Moulton jumper, however they Lyons would answer with a 7-0 spurt closing the gap to just 44-39 with over three minutes remaining. 

The Lyons had further chances to slice into the deficit after forcing a pair of turnovers, however they came up empty on a three pointer and three layups giving MCLA the ball.  The Trailblazers would receive a huge three pointer from McKenzie Robinson with 1:40 on the clock making it 47-39.  The Trailblazers were never threatened again as they made their free throws in the final minute to extend the lead back to double digits and ultimately the final margin.

Hotaling led MCLA with 13 points and 8 rebounds on 4-9 shooting.  Ashley Clawson managed a season best 12 points, pulled down 6 rebounds, and collected 4 steals for the Trailblazers.  Samantha Gawron came off the bench to score a season high 10 points including a pair of three pointers for the victors.  Moulton ended with only 4 points but did collect 9 rebounds and 6 blocked shots, both career highs.

The Trailblazers would overcome 21 turnovers in the win.

For Wheaton, they were paced by Oppie Morris' team high 12 points.  Sophia Black had 9 points and 9 rebounds for the Lyons.  Aside from the poor shooting, the Lyons also committed 13 turnovers.

The Trailblazers will challenge Emory and Henry tomorrow at Noon at the Ocean Center wrapping up play on the trip.