Worcester, MA- The Worcester State Women's Basketball kicks off their 2024 action with the opening of MASCAC play as they travel to Fitchburg State to take on the Falcons in their bid for win number two on the season. 

Final:

Worcester: 77

Fitchburg: 81

The first quarter action started strong for the Lancers with opening layups by senior Katie Hurynowicz (Tyngsboro, MA) and first Alana Smith (Chicopee, MA). The Lancers jumped out to an early six point lead in the opening three minutes of action. An offensive surge by the Falcons would see the lead cut down to just two points halfway through the quarter where some lost possessions by Worcester would see the Falcons grab their first lead of the game. Worcester would stay tight on the Falcons, tying up the game and matching Fitchburg basket for basket until the final minute of the first would end with the Falcons grabbing eight unanswered points to jump out to a 22-14 lead.

Worcester would come into the second quarter looking to supply some answers to the Falcons late surge as first year Hannah Manzaro (West Brookfield, MA) opened up the scoring as Worcester began their bid to cut into the lead. For a majority of the start of the second, the Lancers went play for play with Fitchburg, keeping the game within single digits. A mid quarter surge by the Falcons would push their lead to 17 before the Lancers were able to begin to answer with the three point basket from junior Abby St. Martin (Putnam, CT). Worcester State would bring the game to within 16 points, 44-28, as the teams moved into their halftime break.

Hurynowicz would end the half leading the Lancers  with seven points and six rebounds, while senior Nyah Thomas (Attleboro, MA) added three assists to the half. 

The third quarter followed a similar script to the previous quarters with Worcester grabbing the opening basket, this time off of a sophomore Cameron Watkins (Dracut, MA) jumper. The teams would battle it back and forth through the early quarter with each team grabbing rebounds and putting up shots. Both the Falcons and Lancers were able to string together some minor runs as each team looked to grab a solid hold on the game. Worcester State would be diligent with their efforts, seeing the lead cut down to 11 by the close of action.

The final quarter of action would see the Lancers sole focus being a comeback bid that would start strong with another quarter opening layup by Hurynowicz and bringin the lead back to within single digits. The Lancers began the final quarter of regulation with an 11-4 scoring run that would allow the Lancers to tie the game up at 61-61 with just over six and half minutes of action. The Lancers and Falcons would spend the next four minutes trading baskets as the Lancers looked to grab their first lead of the half. With just over two minutes remaining, a St. mArtin jump shot would see Worcester grab a late lead at 72-71. The lead would be short lived though, as the Falcons responded with a three pointer and lay up of their own to reclaim the lead as the final minutes of action clicked by. The closing moments of the game would turn into a game of tactics and shooting that would see the Falcons hold off the Lancers comeback bid, sinking four free throws in the final seconds to claim the 81-77 victory.

Hurynowicz would end the game with a team leading double-double, recording 27 points and 12 rebounds while Watkins and Martin ended the afternoon with 15 points.

Worcester State (1-12, 0-1) returns to action on Monday when they square up with Trinity College at noon in their 14th Annual Math Madness game.