Women's Basketball Falls to Fitchburg State, 61-54

Fitchburg, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University women's basketball team defeated the Lancers of Worcester State, 61-54 in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action this afternoon at the Parkinson Gymnasium.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 61, Worcester State 54

Records: Fitchburg State (8-15, 2-8 MASCAC) | Worcester State (12-11, 6-4 MASCAC)

How It Happened

Worcester State took a 10-6 advantage early in the first quarter on a pair of baskets each by junior Kaitlyn Berkel (Waterford, Conn.) and classmate Emily Carens (Northboro, Mass.) before the Falcons responded with a 9-0 run to take a 17-10 edge with junior Mikala Malboeuf (Fitchburg, Mass.) leading the way with five of the nine points.

In the second quarter, the Lancers cut into the deficit (17-14) on an and one by junior Kate Surprenant (Pelham, N.H.), but the Green and Gold answered back on a jumper from sophomore Angelina Marazzi (Manchester, N.H.) to make the score 25-20 going into the intermission.

Following the break, Worcester State made it a one score game (36-34) after a jumper from sophomore Karalyn Gallella (Tewksbury, Mass.). Fitchburg State extended it margin however on a three-pointers by freshmen Payton Holmes (Carver, Mass.) and Chloe Roberts (Hanson, Mass.) for the 45-41 lead

The Falcons upped its advantage (53-45) as Holmes buried her second trey of the contest with 6:25 left in the frame. The hosts secured the victory as Marazzi, Malboeuf and freshman Mikaela  Mitchell (Millbury, Mass.) sank free-throws, resulting in the 61-54 final.

Inside the Numbers

Fitchburg State shot 22-of-69 (31.9%) from the field and 21.1% (4-for-19) from three point range.

Worcester State went 23-of-61 (37.7%) overall, including (2-for-18) 11.1% from beyond the arc.

The Falcons were led by Malboeuf with a double-double of 12 points and ten rebounds, while sophomore Catherine Coppinger (Dorchester, Mass.) added ten points and five boards.

For the Lancers, junior Britt Herring (West Brookfield, Mass.) led the way with a double-double of 18 points and 15 caroms, while Berkel chipped with a double-double of her own (ten points, 13 rebounds).

Worcester State controlled the glass, holding a 50-45 margin on the boards, while Fitchburg State finished with a 20-7 edge in bench points.

68th meeting between the two schools on the basketball court with the Falcons 21-67 all-time when taking on the Lancers.

Worcester State had won the last six matchups against Fitchburg State, including a 74-63 decision earlier this season (1/20/18) at the John P. Brissette Competition Court.

Up Next

Falcons will travel to Westfield State on Wednesday to take on the Owls for a MASCAC clash at 5:30 PM. Lancers will visit Bridgewater State on the same date for a conference matchup, starting at 5:30 PM.

Release Courtesy of Fitchburg State University Sports Information