Hotaling collects 24 rebounds while McLaughlin nets 18 points in 62-38 Trailblazer win over Fitchburg

Fitchburg, MA- Courtney McLaughlin scored a game high 18 points and classmate Kayla Hotaling pulled down a career best 24 rebounds in leading the MCLA women's basketball team to a convincing 62-38 win over Fitchburg State in MASCAC action Wednesday night.  With the win, the Trailblazers improve to 7-8 on the season and sit at 2-3 in the conference.

The Falcons drop to 6-8 overall and are 0-4 in the league.

MCLA trailed 12-10 after one quarter of play but used a 17-11 second quarter to take a 27-23 lead into halftime.  The Trailblazers would extend the lead heading into the fourth quarter as they led 39-31.  MCLA would pull away by outscoring the Falcons 23-7 over the final ten minutes of play.  The 62 points for the Trailblazers are a season high.

MCLA overcame the sluggish start as Hotaling collected 17 first half rebounds and McLaughlin did most of her damage.  The Trailblazers defense clamped down on Fitchburg leading scorer Kyra Rose as well as she battled foul trouble all night long.

The Trailblazers began to pull away in the second half as Karina Mattera came alive.  The junior sparked the offense with 10 points in just 24 minutes.  Meanwhile, the MCLA defense continued to lock down the Falcon offense.  Fitchburg shot just 23% from the floor and was forced into 20 turnovers.

McLaughlin was 6-10 from the floor for her 18 point effort.  Hotaling was just 2-9 from the floor but pulled down those 24 boards, 9 offensive, and added 3 blocks.  The Trailblazers overcame a 35% shooting night and also committed 19 turnovers.

The Trailblazers will be back home on Saturday when they host Springfield College at 1pm.