Worcester, MA- Closing out their second to last conference match of the season, the Worcester State Women's Basketball team (8-14, 2-6) will journey to Salem State to begin to solidify their final post season standings, which is currently looking like it may be a return trip to the Vikings in a week in half.
Final
Worcester State: 59
Salem State: 76
How it Happened:
To kickstart this crucial conference matchup against the Vikings the Lancers would strike first through Sophomore Guard Lena Waldron (Quincy, MA) who confidently took it to the rack for an easy layup. In the early doors both teams defenses would look strong as halfway through the first quarter the score would be 6-4, advantage towards the Vikings. Closing out the quarter the Lancers offense would start to click as the quarter would end 17-8 with the Vikings leading heading into the second quarter.
To ignite the scoring for Worcester State in the second quarter Waldron would score, propelling the Lancers offense forward. Following Waldron's score Senior Katie Hurynowicz (Tyngsboro, MA) would go up putting in a nice layup off a cutting pass from Sophomore Alana Smith (Chicopee, MA) . From this point on the Lancer's offense would be revived going on a scoring run chipping away at the Vikings lead. Despite their efforts the second quarter would end with the Vikings on top with the score at 31-23 but with more than enough time for the Lancers to institute a comeback.
The Lancers would enter the third quarter starting off strong through a tough layup by Senior Forward Abby St. Martin (Putnam, CT) who was assisted by sophomore guard Mia Haynes (Worcester, MA). A few minutes later St. Martin would continue her hot streak firing in a three from downtown attempting to kick start some offensive momentum for the Lancers. From this point on the Lancer's offense would continue to click partly from Hannah Lomonaco (Northbridge, MA) who was doing a little bit of everything for Worcester State finishing the third quarter with 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
The Lancer's would set foot into the fourth quarter down 51-42 but with a lot of time to create a comeback. It always seemed like the Vikings were within reach for the Lancers but their offense would stay consistent making it difficult for Worcester to gain any ground. At the halfway point in the fourth the Lancers would show grit to attempt to get back in the game but the Vikings would go on a scoring run increasing their lead up to 19 points. The Lancers would show heart to stay in the game but would ultimately fall to the Vikings 76-59.
Katie Hurynowicz would lead the Lancers with 15 points while Alana Smith would top the rebounding category with 9 rebounds.
What's Next:
The Blue and Gold (8-15,2-7) are right back in action on Monday afternoon when they face off with Thomas College of Maine, a game postponed from earlier in the season for their final home game of the season. Tip off is set for 1pm.