Women's Basketball falls to Westfield State

North Adams, MA- The Westfield State women's basketball team received 22 points from Jill Valley and shot 57% from the floor in the opening half as they raced past the MCLA Trailblazers 105-66 tonight in MASCAC action from the Amsler Campus Center gym.

With the win, the Owls improve to 14-6 overall and remain atop the MASCAC at 7-1.  The Trailblazers drop to 11-9 and stand at 3-5 in conference play.

Valley ended the contest going 7-12 from the floor for her 22 points.  She added 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.  Forbasaw Nkamebo added a strong effort of 19 points and 9 rebounds.  Ashley Giampetruzzi came off the bench to add 13 points for Westfield.

In the opening half the Owls wasted little time taking control.  They jumped out to a 12-2 lead and never looked back.  They sprinted out to a 31-11 lead at the end of one quarter and then expanded in the second quarter of play.  The led by as many as 36 points in the quarter and settled on a 64-30 halftime advantage. 

Valley dominated the first half collecting 19 points on 6-7 shooting and a perfect 6-6 from the line.  She added 2 steals and assists.  Nkamebo also went 6-7 from the floor and scored 12 first half points.  The Owl pressure forced MCLA into 20 first half turnovers which led to easy baskets for the visitors.  They shot a torrid 57% in the half compared to just 30% for MCLA.

The Trailblazers were paced by Karina Mattera's team high 22 points.  She added 3 assists for the Trailblazers.  Kayla Hotaling collected a double double of 12 points and a game best 18 rebounds.  Courtney McLaughlin chipped in with 11 points and 6 boards.

MCLA was hampered by 31 turnovers on the night via the Owls pressure.  Westfield also owned a commanding edge at the free throw line going 26-40 from the stripe compared to MCLA's 8-17 showing.

The Trailblazers are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Salem State for a 1pm MASCAC tilt.