Springfield 64, Worcester State 28
Worcester, MA --- The Worcester State College women's basketball team couldn't overcome a season low 22.7 shooting percentage as they fell to the visiting Pride of Springfield College, 64-28, Saturday afternoon in New England non-conference women's basketball action. The loss drops the Lancers to 2-9 on the season, while Springfield evens up at 6-6.
After Worcester State scored the opening bucket on a layup by senior Lindsay DelleChiaie (Leominster, MA), Springfield outscored Worcester State 24-5 over the next 13 minutes including a 19-2 run that gave the visitors a, 24-7, lead with 6:52 remaining in the half. Worcester State trimmed the deficit to 12 points with 4:22 left but the Pride enjoyed a 21 point halftime advantage closing the first half with an 11-2 run and a, 35-14, score. The Lancers struggled from the floor hitting just 5 field goals and shooting 17.9% from the field. Springfield shot 44.8% in the first frame. DelleChiaie led all scorers in the half with 10 points. Springfield was paced by senior Christine Cotter (Stoughton, MA) who had 9 points.
The second half began slowly as neither team scored in the first 3:14 of the half. After the teams traded baskets, the Lancers made their last run of the game scoring 9 unanswered points over a two minute stretch to cut the Pride advantage to, 37-27, with 13:44 remaining. Springfield held off the charge and quickly rebuilt the lead to a comfortable margin and pulled away over the final five minutes for the 26 point victory.
DelleChiaie led Worcester State with 13 points, while teammate Natasha Dallas (Roxbury, MA) scored 9 points and grabbed 9 boards. Springfield had 5 players reach double figures with Cotter leading the way with 13. Junior Lauren O'Connor (Valhalla, NY) was immense on the boards as she notched a double-double scoring 12 points and hauling down 16 rebounds. Tara McCarthy (Bristol, RI), Corey Finch (Hanover, PA) and Liz Brosseau (Franklin, MA) each scored 10 points in the balanced Pride attack.
Worcester State is off until Tuesday when they travel to Fitchburg State for their MASCAC opener. Springfield will host Coast Guard on Wednesday in NEWMAC action.