PREVIEW: Women's Basketball Set to Host MASCAC Championship on Saturday

WORCESTER, Mass. - The Worcester State University women's basketball team hosts the Westfield State University Owls on Saturday, February 23 at 1:00 p.m. at John P. Brissette Court for the 2019 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship. The Owls have won the the MASCAC title the past three titles, while the Lancers look to claim their first in program history.

Worcester State clinched their spot in the championship with an 81-64 victory over the fourth-seeded Framingham State Rams. The Lancers were led by a 20 point, 16 rebound, 11 assist triple-double from junior forward Catherine Sweeney (Lowell, Mass.), her Division III-leading third this season. The win was the 20th this season for the Lancers, making it their first 20-win season since 1980-81.

Westfield State erased a seven-point fourth quarter deficit over the Bridgewater State Bears, winning 94-85 to earn another trip back to the title game. Westfield State and Worcester State shared the MASCAC Regular Season title, each going 10-2 in conference.

The Owls are led by Lucy Barrett (Williamstown, Mass.), who averages a team best 19.1 points per game and a conference best 89.2 percent from the free-throw line. Barrett, as well as teammate Melissa Gray (Peabody, Mass.) both led the conference in steals with 77 each. Gray led the Owls and conference in 3-pointers made with 84, knocking down 36.1 percent of them. Gray was second on the team in scoring, averaging 17.5 points per game. Barrett and Gray were the second and third top scorers in the conference respectively and look to continue their offensive attack tomorrow afternoon.

The Owls are known for their fast-paced, five-in, five-out playing style. Their offense revolves around the 3-point arc, as they attempt an average of 42.3 triples a game. Westfield's scoring attack led the nation for Division III with 88.3 points per game so expect them to come out firing once again. On defense, they run a full-court press from the opening tip to the final horn in order to force turnovers and create more shot opportunities.

The Lancers are hosting their first ever MASCAC Championship game, with seniors Kate Suprenant (Pelham, N.H.), Brittany Herring (West Brookfield, Mass.), Kaitlyn Berkel (Waterford, Conn.), and Emily Carens (Northboro, Mass.) leading the charge.

"It's crazy to think that freshman year we didn't even have a gym," said Suprenant, captain of the Lancers. "Now three years later we're playing in the championship game (at Brissette Court). It's such a leap and shows the progress we've made in such a short time."

Herring led the conference in both field-goal percentage at 65.9 percent and blocks with 67. The Lancers are also capable of knocking down the three, as Suprenant shot 47.5 percent from distance to lead the conference.

"We have a great combination of kids that are motivated and have worked extremely hard, play like a team, and really want it," said Lancer head coach Karen Tessmer on Friday about what sets this team apart from teams she's coached in the past. "We really want our fans to help us bring home a conference championship here in our own gym."

The Lancers and Owls split the season series, each winning on their home floors. Worcester State defeated Westfield 94-79 on January 24 at Brissette Court, before Westfield got its revenge against the Lancers this past Saturday with an 82-77 victory.

Ultimately, Tessmer said the goal for her team is simple. "We want to celebrate with the fans, cutting down the nets here at the Wellness Center."

Fans attending Saturday's MASCAC Championship are encouraged to wear white to root on the Lancers at Brissette Court. For those who cannot make it to Worcester for the title game, live statistics and video will be available at WSULancers.com. Be sure to also follow @WSULancers on Twitter and @WSU_Lancers on Instagram for live updates.

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