Women's MASCAC Basketball Tournament Bracket
Salem, MA --- Sophomore Meaghan O'Keefe (Warren, MA) notched a game-best 21 points to go along with nine rebounds and five blocks to help pace Worcester State past Salem State, 75-71 in overtime.
By virtue of coming in fourth place in the regular-season standings, the #4 Lancers (12-13, 6-6 MASCAC) will entertain fifth-seeded Fitchburg State on Tuesday at 7 PM in the upcoming conference tournament.
The Lady Vikings (3-22, 0-12 MASCAC) were within seconds of giving coach Shea his 650th career victory. Leading 60-58 in regulation, Salem State seemingly forced a Lancer turnover with 39 seconds remaining.
However, WSU was granted a timeout before the infraction occurred, and ultimately junior Kaleigh Charette (Fairhaven, MA) converted two free throws to tie the game at 60. Madeleine Park (Blue Hill, ME) had a chance to win it for the Vikings at the buzzer, but her long three was off the mark.
In overtime, second-year Kara Rogers (Lowell, MA) and senior Alexis George (Worcester, MA) hit early jumpers to give the Lancers a 64-60 lead, one they would not relinquish. The Vikings drew within one, 66-65 with 2:07 remaining, but freshman Meaghan Burns (West Brookfield, MA) was 4-4 from the free-throw line in the final eight seconds to salt away the win for WSU.
O'Keefe led the way for Worcester State, with game-highs of 21 points and nine rebounds. She added five blocks—including one each in the final seconds of regulation and overtime. George chipped in with 13 points with eight boards as she handed out four assists. Burns in her first career start made am impact with 13 points and three steals. Rogers and sophomore Gina Sicuso (Stoneham, MA) combined for 13 points.
The Lady Vikings were paced by Breanna Comeau (Amesbury, MA), who had a team-high 18 points, including 15 in the second half, before fouling out near the end of regulation. Amy Barry (Manchester, NH) had 15, including 3-4 three-pointers, while Park added 11.
Portions of Release Courtesy of Salem State Sports Information