Lancers Runaway with Win over Owls for MASCAC Victory

Worcester, MA- After an exciting conference victory on Saturday over the Trailblazers of MCLA, the Worcester State Women's Basketball (7-12, 4-4) turned their focus to Westfield State in a bid to go two in a row. 

Final

Worcester State: 76

Westfield State: 59

How it Happened:

In the starting moments, the game came down to clutch execution on both ends. With the score tight late, senior Hannah Lomonaco (Northbridge, MA) made a huge defensive play, coming up with a steal and then setting up junior Mia Haynes (Worcester, MA) for the go-ahead layup at the buzzer to give Worcester State a 32–30 edge. Earlier in the closing stretch, junior Aydan Gulliver (Cranston, RI) kept the offense steady with key baskets off assists from Lomonaco. At the same time, the defense held strong, securing timely rebounds and forcing turnovers to limit second chances. Despite pressure possessions and missed opportunities at the line, Worcester State's ability to capitalize on steals and convert at the rim sealed the narrow two-point Westfield lead at the end of the first half. 

They went from a 32-32 tie to building some momentum through solid defense and second-chance points. After a long stretch without scoring, Mia Haynes hit a jump shot off an assist from junior Lena Waldron (Quincy, MA) to start what would be a good run by the Lancers. After Westfield made a quick comeback, the Lancers were relentless in going to the offensive boards and forcing Westfield to miss. Gulliver and Lomonaco were the catalysts for the scoring as junior Alana Smith (Chicopee, MA) took control of the paint by grabbing offensive rebounds and hitting free throws. Waldron consistently finished at the rim as well as at the free-throw line, allowing Worcester State to regain and extend their lead through a balanced scoring attack. Haynes and junior Ava Lemanski (Clinton, MA) both made key defensive rebounds and timely steals, allowing Worcester State to limit Westfield's opportunities while quickly building a lead on the way to establishing control of the game's pace.Worcester State walked away with a huge conference win, beating the Owls 76-59.

What's Next:

Worcester State (8-12, 5-4) continues their second swing in the MASCAC with a trip to Fitchburg State on Saturday, February 7th, for a 12 pm meeting with the Falcons.