Worcester, MA- The Worcester State Lancers (3-16, 2-4 MASCAC) tipped off against the Fitchburg State Falcons (5-14, 2-5 MASCAC) and looked to carry their momentum from a big conference win last week versus MCLA in their grudge match versus the Falcons who claimed a nail biter earlier in the season 81-77.
FINAL: LANCERS 79 | 50 FALCONS
HOW IT HAPPENED:
To start the game, first year Mikayler Patch (North Attleboro, MA) would win the tip off over Worcester State Lancer, Sophomore Abby St. Martin Jr (Putnam, CT) resulting in a Falcons opening three pointer to start the action. But, the failed tip off and three points from Fitchburg State, would not hinder the Lancers ability to put points on the board as they quickly opened up the first half with a sophomore Cameron Watkins (Dracut, MA) basket that Worcester would not look back on in the opening 10 minutes of action.
As the first period progressed, both teams were neck and neck and struggled to find their initial rhythm resulting in a low scoring affair initially, but by the end of the first quarter, Worcester State would ultimately find their footing and develop the much needed momentum. Senior Katie Hurynowicz (Tyngsboro, MA) would score 12 points in a quick two minutes and by doing so, the team would fully grab the game by the horn and dominate the Falcons with a 28-13 score to finish the first quarter.
The second period saw both teams struggle to grasp the ball, this leading to multiple missed opportunities and two minutes of scoreless action in the game. First year Lena Waldron (Quincy, MA) would break the drought with a layup assured by Watkins to begin the scoring trend. Sophomore Alexis Desimoe (Ashburnham MA) would make a layup along with a jump shot from junior Kathryn Hart (Shirley MA) followed by a three pointer made by Senior Olivia Almeida (Wilmington MA) as Fitchburg struggled to catch up by making 9 substitutions. In the onslaught of changes, Worcester was able to pull away with a lead of 20 points at the half with a score of 44-24.
With the second half action, Worcester would continue to expand their lead over the Falcons as Hurynowicz would open the action for the half for Worcester State with a driving layup off an offensive rebound. It would be another two minutes before first year Hannah Manzaro(West Brookfield, MA) would continue the scoring with a leaping three to extend Worcester's lead to 14 points. As the third period progressed there was a scoring slow down with both teams struggling to send the ball through the hoop but Worcester's perseverance saw them begin to find their footing creating a 28 point lead over the Falcons.
To begin the fourth period a strong start from the Falcons with back to back shots from sisters Kathryn and Stephanie Hart. The Lancers strong defense and determination held the Falcons away from any solid attempt at a comeback bid. The Falcons were unable to keep up with the fast paced and defensive strength of the Lancers. The game would come to a close with Worcester grabbing the 79-50 victory in the revenge match with the Falcons.
Worcester State Women's basketball team now stands at 4-16, 3-4 MASCAC and return to action this Saturday when they travel to Westfield State for a noon start. Fitchburg now sits at 5-15, 2-6 in the MASCAC and will face off with Anna Maria tomorrow at 6pm.