Mattera, Hotaling spark MCLA as they record 47-41 win over Salem State

North Adams, MA- Freshman Karina Mattera came off the bench to score a career high 13 points and MCLA overcame a cold shooting night to defeat the visiting Salem State Vikings 47-41 this evening in MASCAC action.  With the win, the Trailblazers improve to 9-5 overall and 1-2 in league play.  The Vikings drop to 4-11, and also stand at 1-2 in the conference.

MCLA overcame a tough shooting night as they shot just 25% from the floor and committed 21 turnovers.  Kayla Hotaling also had a solid night collecting a double double effort of 12 points and 12 rebounds.

After being tied at halftime, MCLA started the third quarter on a 12-1 run to take a 29-18 lead.  They would never trail again, but Salem didn't go quietly behind some good three point shooting.  The Vikings would connect on four triples in the third period to trail just 34-30 heading into the final quarter.  

The Vikings would get within three points on a pair of Kaitlyn Bryan free throws with 4:36 to go making it 39-36 in favor of the Trailblazers.  The hosts would get a key basket from Courtney McLaughlin and they wouldn't be threatened again.

In the opening half, both teams struggled from the floor shooting as they combined to go just 23% from the floor.  The teams were deadlocked at 17-17 at halftime.  Neither team led by more than five points throughout the half.  Salem led 17-12 after a layup from Tahira Peralta with 2:33 left to play, but the Trailblazers answered by scoring the final five points.  Ashley Clawson and Brayleigh Hanlon went 3-4 from the line and Karina Mattera knocked down a jumper in the final minute to tie the score.

Salem State committed 15 turnovers while MCLA had 10.  MCLA was bailed out by grabbing 10 offensive rebounds in the opening twenty minutes of play.

Mattera went 5-10 from the floor and collected 4 steals for her 13 point night.  Hotaling was just 3-11 from the floor, but went 6-8 from the stripe for her 12 points.  She dominated the second half glass notching 9 caroms in the second half alone.

For the Vikings, they were paced by Byran's game high 16 points on 4-8 shooting.  Salem was hampered by 28 turnovers and shooting just 33% from the floor.

The Trailblazers will resume MASCAC play on Saturday when they travel to Framingham State.