Worcester, MA- The Worcester State Women's Basketball team (3-3, 0-0) aims to make it two in a row before the Thanksgiving Break as they host the Keene State Owls on Brissette Court. Worcester came away with the decisive win on Saturday versus New England College and are primed to continue their New Hampshire success tonight versus Keene.
Final
Worcester State: 63
Keene State: 54
How it Happened:
The Lancers would quickly make their mark in the game as senior Abby St. martin (Putnam, CT) would hit the opening three off a perfect pass from senior Katie Hurynowicz (Tyngsboro, MA) to start the action for the Lancers in their last home game before Thanksgiving Break. Worfcester would quickly record six points, which would hold for a majority of the first quarter as a stretch of cold shooting creeped up on each program. Hurynowicz would break the ice with a deep three to put Worcester up by three, but six unanswered points would see the remainder of the first a back and forth battle for possession and points as the Owls grabbed a 15-12 lead into the second.
In the second quarter the Lancers would continue their good play, offsetting the struggling shooting of Keene, as they were able to outscore the owls in the quarter. Hurynowicz would continue her great play from the first as she was able to come out and get six points on two threes giving the Blue and Gold much needed momentum. Keene's estate however was able to keep it close with some quality play coming from the bench as they accounted for 11 of the 14 points scored in the quarter. This quarter was pivotal for Worcester State as they managed to mount a comeback and tie the game at 29 before the halftime break.
The opening of the second half would have Worcester breaking the tie just twenty seconds in as, again, St. Martin began the offensive momentum for Worcester. The Owls would continue the chase as the lead would change hands and stall out before Worcester began their biggest offensive push of the match, grabbing a ten point lead before the Owls began to work at chipping away at the Lancer surge. Worcester would hold off Keene's attempt and carry a 52-42 lead into the fourth as the Owls deep shooting troubles continued.
The final quarter of regulation would see the Owls heat up a bit down the stretch, closing the lead down to just three points before free throws and percentage shooting became the name of the game. The Owls would make a layup to bring the score to within twoo but the missed three throw managed to keep Keene at arms length with five minutes to go. A quick jumper from Keene would tie the score but a counter attack by sophomore Alana Smith (Chicopee, MA) would garner a foul and two made free throws for Worcester as they reclaimed the lead which they would hold onto and expand upon before the final horn blew for the 63-54 victory.
Hurynowicz would lead the Lancers going 8-19, and 5-9 from behind the arc, for 22 points on the night with eight rebounds. Joining in the double digit action was St. Martin with 11 and sophomore Lena Waldron (Quincy, MA) with 10 to showcase the true team effort of today's meeting.
What's Next:
Worcester State (4-3, 0-0) will now have a holiday break and come back for action on Tuesday, December 3rd, when they host the Springfield Pride at 7:30pm.