WORCESTER, Mass. - The Worcester State University women's basketball team led by as many as 12 points late in the first half, but could not close the deal, falling to Westfield State 84-73 in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship game Saturday afternoon at John P. Brissette Court.

With the loss, Worcester State's season comes to a close with an overall record of 20-7. Westfield State wins its fourth consecutive conference title, improving to 18-9 on the season.

Worcester State played strong defense in the opening quarter, holding the Owls to just 5-of-20 shooting, including 1-of-11 shooting from deep. The Lancers were 10-of-20 on the opposite end of the floor, led by eight points from senior Kate Surprenant (Pelham, N.H.), to hold a 21-15 lead after one.

The defense continued to shine in the second quarter for Worcester State, and the Lancers continued to execute on offense. After taking their largest lead of the game at th 1:30 mark of the quarter, the Lancers took a 35-26 lead into the locker room. Surprenant, senior Kaitlyn Berkel (Waterford, Conn.), and sophomore Colleen Cutting (Auburn, Mass.) all had 10 points at the break.

Westfield's offense came to life in the second half, and the Owls' full-court press started to wear down the Lancers. The Owls scored 30 points in the third quarter, and Worcester State was left clinging to a 57-56 lead at the end of three.

Westfield State shot 55 percent from the field in the fourth to seal the deal and run away with their fourth consecutive conference crown. Westfield finished the second half outscoring Worcester 58-38 on their way to the title.

Owl senior Lucy Barrett (Williamstown, Mass.) was named the Tournament Most Valuable Player after the game. She was held in check for the majority of the game, with just two points at the half and six points through three quarters, but poured in 14 in the fourth to finish with 20 as Westfield closed out its championship. Senior Kierra McCarthy (Ludlow, Mass.) finished with a game-high 22 points in the victory.

Worcester State finished with four players in double figures, led by Surprenant with 17. Berkel was right behind her with 16, followed by 15 points (all in the second half) from senior Brittany Herring (West Brookfield, Mass.). Cutting finished the game with 12 points, while junior Catherine Sweeney (Lowell, Mass.) was a monster on the boards with 21 rebounds.

Westfield State earns an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament with the win.

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