Clark Holds Off Worcester State Comeback To Cruise, 64-48

Clark 64, Worcester State 48

Box Score

Worcester, MA --- Jillian Camilleri (Lancaster, MA) notched a double-double, scoring 13 points and pulling down 12 rebounds, to lead Clark to a 64-48 victory over Worcester State an opening round contest of the Worcester City Tournament. With the win, Clark earns a trip to Saturday's 4pm championship game against host WPI.

Clark (1-0), the defending tournament champions, raced out to a 9-2 advantage in the first five minutes of its season opener and never looked back, extending their lead to a robust 25-9 at the break. The Cougar defense was the key in the first half, as Clark held Worcester State to 11% from the field on 4-for-35 shooting.

Senior forward Sarah Roderique (Oakland, ME) led Clark in scoring with 14 points, inching closer to the 1,000 milestone for her career. Roderique now needs 35 points to reach the mark. Ivori Aiken (Harlem, NY) added 11 points to along with a game-best four steals.

Worcester State (1-2) made a valiant effort to climb back into the game early in the second half, sinking their first six shots from the field. The Lancers trimmed the lead to six points with 15 minutes to go in the game, but could not inch any closer. Sophomore guard Alexis George (Worcester, MA) led Worcester State effort with 12 points, while Erin McCullough (Harvard, MA) and Reilly O'Keefe (Warren, MA) each recorded 10 for the Lancers.

The two teams combined for 78 points in the 2nd half after scoring only 34 in the opening stanza.

Worcester State will take on Nichols in Saturday's consolation game at 2pm, while Clark looks for its 19th Worcester City Tournament championship, taking on host WPI at 4pm. Earlier in the night, the Engineers shot down the Bison by a 56-48 score.

Release Courtesy WPI Sports Information

Story by Ray Cotrufo - WPI Athletics Intern