Trailblazer defense clamps down on Utica as MCLA rolls to fifth straight win 62-36

North Adams, MA- The MCLA women's basketball team cruised to their fifth straight victory tonight besting the Utica Pioneers 62-36 in non league action.  The Trailblazer defense held Utica to just 23% shooting and forced 28 turnovers in the win.  MCLA lost their opening pair of contests, but have rattled off five straight wins to move to 5-2.  The Pioneers fall to 2-4.

Courtney McLaughlin once again paced MCLA with a game high 19 points.  Kayla Hotaling ended the night by filling the stat sheet to the tune of 14 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocked shots.  Brayleigh Hanlon added 10 points off the bench, while Emily Moulton notched 5 points, but collected 8 rebounds and a pair of blocks in her first start of 2015.

In the opening period, MCLA stormed out of the gates outscoring Utica 16-2 to begin the contest.  The Pioneers struggled with the Trailblazers' trapping halfcourt defense which forced 8 first quarter turnovers.  The visitors would rally in the second quarter using a getting with seven at 18-11 after an Ashley Mayo three, but MCLA would counter with a 7-0 spurt capped by a Courtney McLaughlin runner to put them up 25-11.  MCLA would into halftime and lead 28-17 at the break.

In the opening half, neither team shot well as MCLA was just 28% from the floor, however they held Utica to just 23%.  The teams struggled to hold onto the ball in the half combining for 26 turnovers.

After halftime, Utica quickly cut the lead to 29-21, but the hosts went on a 11-1 spurt to seize command and lead 40-22.  The Pioneers wouldn't get closer than sixteen the rest of the way and MCLA led by as many as 28 late in the fourth.

For Utica, they were led by Mary Miceli's team high 8 points.  Ashley Mayo grabbed 8 rebounds for the Pioneers.

MCLA ended the night shooting 39%, which included a solid 50% over the closing periods.  They overcame some sloppy play themselves as they committed 24 turnovers.

The Trailblazers will look to continue their winning streak on Saturday when they host Simmons College at 1pm.