DiGennaro, Ramos spark 66-58 win over UMPI
North Adams, MA- Senior Brooke DiGennaro would erupt for 16 second quarter points on her way to a game high 23 to help MCLA defeat Maine Presque Isle 66-58 this afternoon at the Amsler Campus Center. The win would mark the first home victory for the Trailblazers in nearly three years and move MCLA to 2-1 on the season. UMPI falls to 1-2.
The Owls would jump out early in this one taking an 8-1 lead that forced an MCLA timeout just over two minutes into the game. That lead would extend to as many as nine and the visitors would take a 21-13 lead into the second quarter.
With 6:45 remaining in the half, and UMPI leading 23-15, DiGennaro and MCLA would flip the script in just two minutes as the Trailblazers would go on a 12-3 run to take the lead 27-26. DiGennaro's 16-point quarter which saw her go 6-7 from the field including 4-5 from three, would put MCLA up 35-34 at halftime.
UMPI would regain the lead at 37-36 on a Jelecia Ma'gee-Hodge layup two minutes into the half and a 3-pointer by the junior forward with 3:49 left in the quarter would put the Owls up 48-39. A DiGennaro free throw at the end of the quarter would trim the lead to 53-47 and set the stage for and exciting 4th.
MCLA would begin the fourth quarter on a 7-1 run capped off by a Hailey Peabody layup that would knot things up at 54-54 with 5:45 left. The teams would trade baskets before an Olivia Pressley free throw would put MCLA up 57-56 with just 3:12 left. From there the Trailblazer defense clamped down turning the Owls over four times and allowing just two free throws the rest of the way. Maddie Teta and Zaylee Ramos would take care of business on the free throw line to seal the win for MCLA 66-58.
The Owls were led by Emily Wheaton with 14 points and Alexis Ireland who finished with 11 points and a game-high 15 rebounds.
DiGennaro led MCLA with 23 points and 5 steals while first year Zaylee Ramos had an impressive double-double (20 points, 10 rebounds). Peabody chipped in 10 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Olivia Pressley (4 steals) and Maddie Teta (7 rebounds) were also instrumental in the win.
UMPI shot 33% from the field and went just 4-26 from three-point land. MCLA shot 36% from the field but went 8-26 from beyond the arc.
The Owls will next host Lasell University this Friday at 5pm while the Trailblazers will be traveling to St. Joe's (CT) this Tuesday for a 7pm tip-off.