Worcester State Falls to Johnson & Wales (RI) in Non-Conference Matchup

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – An overall team effort by Johnson & Wales helped lead them to a 73-47 victory over the Worcester State Lancers Monday evening in a non-conference matchup. With the win, the Wildcats advance their winning record to an overall 18-2, while the Lancers dip to 5-14 in regular season play.

Johnson & Wales' Raquel Pederzani (Coventry, R.I.) scored a game-high 16 points as she went 5-for-6 (83.3%) from the field, 2-for-3 (66.7%) from beyond the arc, and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Off the bench, Amber Edwards (Roxbury, Mass.) followed with 13 points and also claimed an 83.3% field goal percentage. Leading the team on the boards was Bobbie Whitehead (Brooklyn, N.Y.) who collected seven while also adding in nine points for the Wildcats. Ashley Thompson (Bellingham, Mass.) and Savannah Kresge (Ellington, Conn.) netted eight points apiece, while Sarah Duryea (Middle Village, N.Y.) notched seven. 33 of the Wildcats' points came off their bench for a complete offensive performance.

The Wildcats set the pace of the game as they outscored the Lancers 25-10 in the first quarter. They then added to their 15 point lead in the second, resulting in a 45-18 score at the intermission. Worcester had to try and play catch-up for the remainder of the game, as they cut Johnson & Wales' scoring advantage to five in the third quarter, and then outscored the Wildcats 16-10 in the final frame, closing out with a final score of 73-47.

For Worcester State, freshmen Britt Herring (W. Brookfield, Mass.) and Kaitlyn Berkel (Waterford, Conn.) led the Blue and Gold as they scored 15 and 13 points, respectively. Berkel led the team in rebounds with eight, while Herring grabbed six. Herring also collected a game-high four blocks against the Wildcats. Junior guard, Brianna Hackett (Hollis, N.H.) rounded up seven points, five rebounds, and three assists.

Johnson & Wales' defense was on point, as they forced 21 Worcester State turnovers, which eventually led to 25 points for the Wildcats. Johnson & Wales outshot the Lancers in all three percentage categories (field goal, 3-point field goal, and free throw) – particularly, within the first 20 minutes of play.

The Lancers return to MASCAC action Wednesday (Feb. 3) to take on the Salem State Vikings on the campus of WPI for a 8:00 p.m. tipoff.