Nichols 81, Worcester State 61
Worcester, MA --- Senior guard MaryLynn
Skarzenski (Woodbridge, NJ) poured in a team-high 16
points, including the 1,000th of her career, as Nichols defeated
Worcester State 81-61 in the consolation game of the 28th annual
Worcester City Tournament hosted by WPI. The senior, who reached
the milestone by sinking a pair of free throws at the 16:51 mark of
the second half, added seven steals and four assists on the
day.
Nichols stormed out of the gate from the opening tip, racing out
to a 27-6 lead at the midway point of the first half on their way
to a 31-point halftime lead. Margaret Lilly
(Ashfield, MA) and Jessica Nelson (N. Providence,
RI) combined for 21 first-half points for Nichols, who evened their
record on the season at 2-2.
Nichols shot 50% from behind the three-point arc (6-of-12) and
outscored Worcester State 18-2 in the paint in the opening half to
take control of the game. Michele Guerin
(Chicopee, MA) and Lena Fracassini (Bridgeport,
CT) combined for 22 points and 15 rebounds off the Bison bench.
Nichols showed balance on the offensive end, featuring five players
in double-figures.
Worcester State (1-3) shot 48% from the field, but only managed 18
first-half shots, as the Lancers could not overcome 31 turnovers
that Nichols parlayed into 34 points. Worcester State staged a
second half comeback behind the three-point shooting of
Alexis George (Worcester, MA), who sank all four
of her attempts from long range. George led all scorers with 18
points. Karleigh Charette (Fairhaven, MA) added 12
for the Lancers, who were able to pull to within 18 with seven
minutes to go in the second half, but could not manage to cut any
further into the deficit.
Both teams are slated to return to action on Tuesday. Nichols
travels to Connecticut College for a 5pm contest, while Worcester
State heads to UMass Dartmouth for a 7pm match-up.
Release Courtesy WPI Sports Information
Story by Ray Cotrufo - WPI Athletics Intern