Wehner's career best effort rallies MCLA past Salem 72-60

Salem, MA- MCLA junior forward Jen Wehner put up career bests of 32 points and 25 rebounds in rallying the Trailblazers from an eleven point second half deficit to defeat host Salem State University 72-60.  With the win, MCLA moves to 13-8 overall, 5-4 in the MASCAC while Salem falls to 3-18 overall, 0-8 in the league.

Wehner was a one man wrecking crew, especially in the second half.  After MCLA dug itself a 33-26 halftime hole, they committed to pounding the ball inside to Wehner.  The junior responded by going 10-14 in the second half for 21 of her career high 32 points while pulling down 14 second half rebounds.

Salem built a 33-26 halftime lead as MCLA continued its struggles of putting the ball in the basket.  The Trailblazers shot only 26% in the half while committing 12 first half turnovers.

The Vikings pushed the lead to eleven on a three pointer from Madeleine Park with 18:32 to play making it 41-30.  That's when MCLA made a run to get back into the game.  They outscored Salem 13-4 over the next six minutes to trim the margin to 45-43.  Salem in turn responded with a 9-3 spurt to again push the lead to eight at 54-46 with 10:18 left.

At this point, MCLA ran off twelve straight points as Wehner knocked down three jumpers while Lucy Tremblay connected on a pair of three pointers as MCLA took their first lead at 58-54.  After Salem's Park made a pair of free throws cut the lead in half, MCLA used another strong run to finish off the pesky Vikings.

The Trailblazers would outscore the hosts 14-4 down the stretch to pull away for the much needed victory.  MCLA was coming off consecutive losses to MASCAC front runner Westfield.  The win keeps MCLA in the thick of the MASCAC race.

Wehner finished 13-17 from the floor for her 32 points.  She also added 7 offensive rebounds to complete her total of 25 caroms.  Her night on the glass helped MCLA hold a monstrous rebounding advantage as MCLA outrebounded Salem 65-35.  Wehner also added four blocks. 

She was the only Trailblazer in double figures as Tremblay finished with nine points, all behind the arc.

Salem was led by Park's 18 points, while Tara Driscoll added 12 and Kristen Fedorico collected 10 points for the Vikings.

MCLA continues its late season road trip on Saturday when they travel to Framingham State for a 1pm tipoff.