Worcester, MA- On Monday evening the Worcester State Women's Basketball team was back in action in Hawaii to take on Lake Forest in their second match of the Big Island Tournament. The Lancers stayed toe-to-toe, outscoring Lake Forest in the third quarter, but were ultimately defeated by the Foresters 77-68.
Entering the game, Worcester State was determined to come out of the gate strong. The Lancers were finding more success on the court tonight, scoring more points in the first 5 minutes of the game compared to the previous night's first quarter, but an overtime game for Lake Forest last night did not slow their shots down. They managed to hold a 15-10 lead to open the game and take the early lead in the game. Unfortunately for the Lancers, Lake Forest went on a 10-3 run that extended their lead to 25-13 and forced Worcester State to call a timeout with 1:29 remaining in the first quarter. With one quarter of play down, the Foresters lead 29-17.
Lake Forest extended their lead to 15 points half way through the second quarter, Nyah Thomas (Attleboro, Mass.) made a nice diving layup that cut the Foresters lead to 13 and just as it looked like the Lancers were gaining momentum to cut their deficit to single digits, Lake Forest was able to go on a quick 6-2 run in the final minute to head into the half with the score 43-28. Two of the Lancers players, Nyah Thomas and Sarah Blomgren (Lucenburg, Mass.) scored 20 of the Lancers 28 points in the first half.
When Worcester State returned from the locker room, the main objective was cutting the 15 point Lake Forest lead. This objective was a net neutral the first five minutes of the third quarter as both teams traded baskets. Fortunately for the Lancers, they were able to secure the bonus free throw advantage with a little over five minutes remaining in the quarter which found Worcester the winners of the third. A positive development for Worcester State was that not only did their defensive intensity pick up, but they were able to cut the Foresters lead to 9 heading into the final quarter of play with the score sitting at 59-50 .
Trailing by three possessions heading into the fourth quarter was a situation that the Lancers had been in previously this season and they looked to use the experience to success tonight. During the first five minutes of the fourth quarter Lake Forest was able to outscore Worcester State by three to extend their lead to 12 points at 72-60 with 4:44 remaining in the contest before Worcester slowed their momentum and cut down on the point differential. Lake Forest was then able to prevent heavy legs in the final stretch, coming away with a 77-68 victory.
Worcester State (4-8) is back in action Jan. 4 when they play their first MASCAC game on the road against Salem State with tip off at 7:30. Lake Forest (3-5) will be back on the court Dec.30 when they compete against Wisconsin- Platteville with tip-off at 1:00.