Lancers Claim Redemption in Second OT battle, Defeating the Lasers

Worcester, MA- The Lancer's Women's basketball team (1-2, 0-0) are back on the hunt this afternoon for their second win after falling just shy in overtime earlier this week to Wellesley. The Lancers and Lasers have not matched up since before COVID in what looks to be a high intensity battle on the day.

Final

Worcester State: 93

Lasell: 89

How it Happened:

The first half got underway with Worcester retaining the first possession but Lasell would quickly regain possession and find the hoop. The Lasers would open the quarter with an 11-0 run but Worcester was not going down early as they battled back with 10 straight points. This would start a back and forth that would lead to a score of 18-19, Lasell leading by one, at the end of the 1st.

The second quarter started with the same energy as there was at the end of the 1st with both teams looking to take a commanding lead. The hype and excitement was felt all around the court as each team made pin point shots and had aggressive play across the court. The quarter would remain very back and forth but Lasell was able to keep that five point lead and carry a 36-41 lead into the locker room.

Worcester State would come out swinging in the third looking to change the momentum of the game, which they did in no small part from senior Katie Hurynowicz (Tyngsboro, MA) who hit timely shots and played stellar defense all around the court. The Lancers would look to capitalize on the momentum, going up by seven, with a score of 63-56 by the end of the third quarter. 

The energy coming into the fourth was palpable with both teams looking to play their best basketball. They would deliver as the margin grew smaller between the two teams as they traded baskets. With just 4.5 seconds remaining and Worcester down by three sophomore Hannah Lomonaco (Northbridge, MA) would careen down the court and step into shot and release, watching the ball sail through the net as time expired on the clock. Worcester would again be looking for victory in the overtime period for the second straight game.

Each team stepped into the extra time playing cautious and conservative basketball as the foul count mounted for each team. Scoring would be a premium and both teams struggled to get efficient shots under the tight defense each team opted for. Worcester would begin to pull away in OT after a senior Abby St. Martin (Putnam, CT)  snatched rebound and return to hoop would give the Lancers added momentum and a more comfortable lead . St. Martin would add a made free throw the count while sophomore Lena Waldron (Quincy, MA) would ice with two free throws with just .2 seconds left on the clock for Worcester to claim this addition of overtime basketball.

Worcester State would shoot 51.5% from the floor and 53.8% from behind the three point arc to come away with the win as Waldron lit up the scoreboard with 28 points and seven rebounds just ahead of St. Martin with 14 points and 8 rebounds and Hurynowicz at 16 points  and four rebounds. 

What's Next:

Worcester State (2-2, 0-0) are next in game mode on Thursday when they travel to Salve Regina for a 7pm tip off.