Worcester, MA- In what has become one of the most memorable Worcester State Athletics traditions, the Worcester State Women's Basketball team (5-6, 0-0) hosted their 15th annual Math Madness Game this afternoon. This year's opponent was the Emerson Lions, who came onto Brissette Court not only ready to battle, but ready to partner with the Lancers for a fun and engaging afternoon of sport and academics, the quintessential DIII experience. Worcester hosted around 500 students from Tatnuck and May Street School for an afternoon of interactive games and knowledge that allowed participants to feel as if they were part of the day's action. 

Coach Karen Tesssmer had this to say about the event, "each year we look forward to hosting local school kids who get an opportunity to see some exciting basketball, work on math problems related to the game as well as cheer on the Lancers!  It's a great day to show off Worcester State to our neighbors and to get kids excited about school and athletics, plus our players have the opportunity to inspire young kids to achieve success!"

The game was off to a quick start as senior Katie Hurynowicz (Tyngsboro, MA) charged down the court off a dish from sophomore Hannah Lomonaco (Northbridge, MA) to put the Lancers up 3-0 quickly. Emerson would answer with three free throws over the next minute to tie the game back up and leave the two teams at 3-3 for the next minute before Hurynowicz would add another three to grab a 6-3 lead. Lomonaco would add another two halfway through the opening quarter to extend the Lancer lead but the Lions would not allow Worcester to get too far ahead as they began to match the Lancers basket for basket before forcing a tie to close out the opening 10 minutes at 14-14.

The second quarter would see the two programs trading baskets across the court until the last five minutes when Emerson would gather some offensive momentum to grab a 33-25 lead into halftime. The third quarter would see the game resettle back into a basket for basket battle, but Worcester was unable to eat into the Lions lead still leaving them down into the final quarter of regulation. A bumpy start for both teams had Worcester grabbing some early fouls but not conceding much ground to the Lions as most of the quarter the game remained within eight. The final two minutes would see the biggest push into the lead for the Lancers as Lomonaco would charge down for a fast break layup to attempt to begin the Worcester comeback. The game would come down to fouls and free throws and though Worcester was 84.6% from the line, the 89.5% from the Lions provided them the needed edge to grab the 63-51 victory.

Hurynowicz, who ended the game with 16 points and six rebounds, added about the event, "there's no game like math madness. Having an energetic environment and a positive atmosphere for students and athletes is a great way to start the new year."

Ending the meeting with seven rebounds a piece was sophomore Hannah Manzaro (West Brookfield, MA) and Lomonaco. 

The Blue and Gold (5-7, 0-0) are right back in action on Saturday when they begin conference play at home with a meeting with Fitchburg State at 2pm.