Women's Basketball Runs Away From MCLA, 62-46

Worcester, MA --- Senior Meaghan O'Keefe (Warren, MA) registered 25 points to go along with 14 boards while recording her ninth double-double on the season to help lead Worcester State past MCLA, 62-46, in MASCAC women's basketball action this afternoon at the Lancer Gymnasium.

The Lancers (7-9, 3-0 MASCAC) were also paced by junior Meaghan Burns (W. Brookfield, MA) who scored 14 points and tied a season-best with six steals in the victory. 

MCLA (8-7, 0-2) was led by senior Lucy Tremblay (E. Greenbush, NY) who netted a team-best 12 points and corralled seven rebounds.

Junior Danielle Scolpino (Bethel, CT) added ten points while sophomore Tashari Rainwater (Webster, MA) grabbed ten boards for the Trailblazers. 

With the score tied 16-16 with 7:32 remaining in the first half, Burns bookended an 8-0 Lancer run with a pair of layups giving the hosts a 24-16 advantage two minutes later.

WSU went into the half leading 30-21 after sophomore Julie Frankian (Millbury, MA) was able to sink a jumper for the nine-point advantage. 

The second half proved to be all Worcester State as O'Keefe sunk a layup at the 17:26 mark giving the Lancers a double-digit lead, 34-24.

MCLA did make the score 10 with 8:41 to play (43-33) and 11 just three minutes later (48-37), but the Blue and Gold maintained their margin and posted the win to remain one of two unbeaten teams in MASCAC play.

Worcester State dominated both the glass (46-36) and the paint (40-18) while also shooting 42 percent from the field (26-for-62). WSU also held the 20-10 edge in points off turnovers and fast break points (12-8). 

MCLA shot poorly for the contest finishing with a 28 percent line (16-for-58) and they only canned four of their 17 attempts from downtown. The Trailblazers did have a 15-14 lead in offensive boards and a 12-8 advantage in second-chance points.

Both teams continue MASCAC play on Tuesday at 5:30 PM. WSU heads to Fitchburg State and MCLA travels to Westfield State.

Story By John Hanna --- Sports Information Graduate Assistant