Lancers Drop Tight Game to Clark to Start the Season

Worcester, MA- Worcester State Women's Basketball traveled just down the street to WPI Friday night to play Clark University in the Worcester City Tournament. This was the first game of the season for the Lancers. 

The first quarter saw very low scores as both teams had trouble putting the ball through the rim. The score remained nearly tied in the single digits until the sixth minute of the game, with both teams trading off the lead by just one or two points. Clark put in two layups and a free throw to gain a 5 point lead by the end of the first quarter. 

Clark increased the lead to 21-14 with a layup by Jacqueline Faulise early in the second. Worcester came back defensively strong and had multiple turnovers to provide more offensive opportunities for the team. Senior Elizabeth Gallela (Tewksbury, MA) nailed a 3-pointer and a layup to close the gap to 23-21. Worcester remained down by just one point heading into the half.

With a return of action in the second half the teams also saw a change of venue. The court was deemed too slippery for play so WPI, and game officials, decided to move to a different court in the WPI athletics facility for better conditions following the second quarter. The Lancers adapted well and pulled away with an eight point lead in the fifth minute of the third. Clark would retaliate before the quarter ended to close the gap back down.

Clark outscored Worcester 19-13 in the last quarter of the game where junior Emma Found (Wakefield, MA) and Senior Erin Gallella (Tewksbury, MA) were the only two to sink some shots in the fourth for the Lancers, but unfortunately their hot hands were not enough to break through with the lead. The final score of the game was 62-57, and Clark University will continue to the championship vs host WPI. 

The Lancers were led on the night by Erin Gallella's 11 points and five rebounds, while twin sister Elizabeth added an additional 10 points and three rebounds. Graduate Student Sarah Blomgren (Lunenburg, MA) led the team with 11 rebounds on the night and eight points. Found, coming in off the bench for the Lancers had the hottest hands of the night, ending her night with 17 total points, missing only two shots that were attempted in the game. 

The Lancers, 0-1, will match up against Anna Maria tomorrow at 5pm in the consolation bracket of the Worcester City Tournament.