Worcester, MA- Before a Thanksgiving feast could be cooked on Thursday, the Worcester State Lancers Women's Basketball team competed against the Keene State Owls in their home opener on John P. Brissette Court. Worcester State captured their third win of the season by a score of 58-44.
Worcester State was in the holiday spirit early as a fast break push by Nya Thomas (Attleboro, Mass.) led to a kick out to Sarah Blomgren (Lunenburg, Mass.) for a wide open 3 point shot for a 3-0 lead. The Lancers' defense was in sync early as they forced tough shots and turnovers. Keene State fought back to take a 10-8 lead with under 2 minutes to go. The first quarter ended with the game tied at 10-10.
As the second quarter started, the score was 10-10. Both teams' offense was creating scoring attempts. Late in the second quarter, both teams traded 3-point baskets, which led to a 19-18 lead for the blue and gold. Worcester State was able to execute just enough on the defensive end to take a 23-20 lead heading to the locker room.
Heading into the second half, the Lady Lancers were determined to try and grow their 3-point lead. Just before the halfway point, Keene State was able to tie the game 28 with a 3-pointer from the wing. Worcester State started to pull away late in the third when Maddison Gutierrez (Holyoke, Mass.) hit a corner 3 to expand the Lancer's lead to nine points at 41-32. After three quarters, the score was 42-32.
The Lancers headed into the fourth quarter up double digits. Keene State would not go quietly into the night as they cut the deficit down to two possessions with 5:19 remaining. Katie Hurynowicz (Tyngsboro, Mass.) made a clutch curl for a 3-point play layup to place her team up 8 50-42 with 3:40 remaining. For the remaining 3 minutes, the Lancers clamped down the Keene State offense to head to the Thanksgiving holiday with a 58-44 victory.
Worcester State (3-3) is back in action on Nov. 28 for another home contest against Wellesley with tipoff at 7:00. Keene State (1-3) will be back in action on Nov. 29 as they return to their home court to take on Rivier with a tip-off time at 5:00.