Pond Nets 27, Owls Raid Vikings 90-62 on Senior Day

Westfield State senior forward Maddie Pond caught fire from beyond the arc in a decisive second and third quarter surge, leading the Owls to a commanding 90-62 victory over Salem State behind her 27 points on senior night. The senior guard's sharpshooting display included an 8-0 run by herself that helped the Owls break open what had been a tight contest early.

Pond converted an old-fashioned three point play, then hit a pair of technical foul shots, and then knocked down a long three-pointer on the ensuing possession late in the third quarter to turn a 10-point Owls lead into an 18-point lead.

Pond finished 10-18 from the floor and 4-10 from long range.  Westfield got a career-high 14 points from first-year Kayley Downie, as she provided a spark by making 4 of 8 from behind the three-point arc and grabbing five rebounds.  They were the only two Owls in double figures, as 10 players found the scorebook for Westfield.  Jordan Grant and Morgan Berthiaume each added nine points. Berthiaume snagged six steals

Westfield trailed 15-8 after the first quarter, but momentum shifted decisively in Westfield's favor during a crucial second-quarter sequence. With Salem up 23-24, Pond knocked down consecutive three-pointers, both coming off pinpoint assists from Sophia DeAngelis and Tavi Williams. The Owls led 37-32 at the half after a late three pointer from Pond.

Westfield used a 19-0 run midway through the third quarter to put the game away.

Westfield State's defensive pressure proved suffocating as the game progressed, forcing Salem State into 35 turnovers that led to 45 points. The Owls' depth was on full display as they dominated bench scoring 47-9, with multiple players contributing to the offensive onslaught.

Zaiter led Salem State with 16 points on efficient 8-of-14 shooting, while Goncalves added nine points and grabbed a team-high 19 rebounds in the losing effort. Kylie Gates finished with nine points, 11 assists and six rebounds, and Abuk Teng added 10 points and and five rebounds.

The victory showcased Westfield State's offensive firepower, as they connected on 15 three-pointers, their best output of the season.   Owls also pulled down 42 rebounds including 22 offensive boards that led to 34 second-chance points.

This performance also marked a special moment for the Owls' senior class and grad students, as Maddie Pond, Jordan Grant, Olivia Hadla, Jessica Gardner, Hannah Sheldon, and Caellen Foley celebrated their final regular-season home game in style.

With the postseason on the horizon, this victory gives the Owls a boost of momentum and confidence for the challenges ahead. The win secures Westfield State's 15-9 record (6-4 MASCAC) as they prepare for the MASCAC tournament, while Salem State wraps up their season at 13-12 (6-4 MASCAC).

The Owls and Vikings finish the regulars season in a three-way tie for second place with Framingham State in the MASCAC.    Using the league's tie-breakers, Framingham lands the second seed in next week's conference tournament, Salem will be the third seed and Westfield State the fourth seed.

Westfield State will look to build off of this win in the postseason, with their first playoff matchup scheduled for Tuesday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m. against Worcester State.

Written by Tom Onorato – Sports Information Intern