Worcester, MA - Worcester State Women's Basketball hosted New England College in their first home matchup of the 2022/23 season Thursday evening at Brissette Court. Senior Guard Erin Gallella's (Tewksbury, MA)  two free throws in the final second of the game were not enough as the Lancers fell to the Pilgrims in a tight game. 

FINAL SCORE: Worcester State 66, New England College 71

The first quarter saw the Lancers outscore the Pilgrims 20-8 which started with a 12-0 run in the first three minutes. Worcester's early success was highlighted by Graduate Center Sarah Blomgren (Lunenburg, MA), who recorded three 3pt jump shots, one assist, one steal, and two defensive rebounds in the first half. 

New England College came back in the second quarter, eventually taking their first lead of the game with just over four minutes to go in the first half. The Pilgrims were led by Asia Jones, who recorded five jump shots, two defensive rebounds and three assists in the second quarter. 

The first half ended with the Pilgrims having a slight lead over Worcester. 

The Lancers and Pilgrims were neck and neck heading into the final minutes of the game, with a jump shot made by Blomgren followed by a three pointer by the Pilgrims' Ericka Pratt. Gallella's two free throws were the final points of the game as the clock went down to zero and sealed the victory for New England College.

Gallella finished the game with a team high 17 points and five assists for the Lancers, while Jones recorded 25 points and four assists for the Lancers. Blomgren led Worcester with three 3pt shots made of seven, while New England College's Jones and Alissia Corona recorded three 3pt shots made each. 

This brings Worcester State to a 1-2 record, while New England College improves to 4-1. 

The Blue & Gold hit the road this weekend as they are set to face the Rivier University Raiders in the Wesleyan Tip-off tournament. Tip-off is scheduled for 7pm. #WeAreWorcester