NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – Worcester State matched a season high with 31 points in the opening quarter on their way to an 86-42 victory over MCLA in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action on Wednesday evening at Amsler Campus Center Gym.
The 86 points is the highest total for the Lancers (10-12, 5-5 MASCAC), eclipsing the 83 points they scored on January 24th, and again this past Saturday at Fitchburg State.
Worcester State shot just under 60% from the floor and 3-3 from behind the three-point line in the opening quarter, and finished the frame ahead 31-9. Nyah Thomas (Attleboro, Mass.) was a perfect 4-4 from the field, scoring eight points and collecting two assists and two steals in her first six minutes of action.
Thomas was one of five Lancers in double-figures, as the team finished the night shooting 45% from the floor and 6-13 from three. Gigi LeMay (Grafton, Mass.) led the way with 14 points and 13 rebounds, helping Worcester State to a 60-23 edge on the glass. Katie Hurynowicz (Tyngsboro, Mass.) and Thomas scored 10 points apiece, while Thomas and Elizabeth Gallella (Tewksbury, Mass.) had two assists and three steals apiece.
The Lancers never trailed in this game, opening the contest on an 11-0 run, capped by a three-pointer from Erin Gallella (Tewksbury, Mass.). They pushed the lead to 21-2 before Emma O'Keefe knocked down a three-pointer for the Trailblazers (1-20, 1-9).
Simone Fiore (Southborough, Mass.) and Madison Gutierrez (Holyoke, Mass.) both scored career-highs with 11 points apiece. Gutierrez had five rebounds, an assist and two steals, while Fiore pulled down six boards. Erin Gallella had a game-high five assists, along with 7 points and five rebounds.
Worcester State led in points off turnovers (28-6), second chance points (23-2), points in the paint (40-16) and bench points (39-13).
This Saturday will be Senior Day for the Lancers at Brissette '88 Competition Court. They will host Framingham State in their regular season finale at 12:00 PM.