Lancers Nab Win from Rivier

Worcester, MA- On Saturday evening, the Worcester State Lancers Women's Basketball team competed in the Wesleyan Tip-Off Tournament at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. On this night, Worcester State competed against the Rivier University Raiders in the second game on Saturday. Worcester State captured their second win of the season by a score of 73-65.

Nya Thomas (Attleboro, Mass.) provided three quick points for the Lancers as she nailed a quick three-point shot from the wing. Three-point shooting and tough defense were vital for the Lancers as they could sprint to an 11-8 lead 5:30 into the game. Abby Saint Martin (Putnam, Conn.) hit a baseline jumper as time expired to provide Worcester State a 14-13 lead heading into the second quarter.

The game remained 14-13 as both teams tried to breathe life into their offenses. A major adjustment the Lady Lancers made heading into the second quarter was more drives on the offensive end of the court that resulted in free throws instead of settling for three-point shots. Both teams exchanged leads for the remainder of the quarter as the game stayed tied at 32-32 heading into the halftime break.

With the score deadlocked at 32-32 heading into the second half, both teams were determined to try to gain a multiple-possession lead. Worcester State was able to go on a 9-3 scoring run in the first three minutes of the period to take a 41-35 lead. Rivier was able to respond as they went on an 8-0 run to take a 45-43 lead with a little over 4 minutes remaining in the third quarter, which caused Worcester State to burn a timeout. Unfortunately for Worcester State, they could not stop the bleeding as Rivier took a 54-45 lead into the fourth quarter.

As Worcester State began the fourth quarter down nine points, it was vital for them to go on a scoring run. The Lady Lancers could go on a 5-0 run to cut the lead to 4, sparked by Erin Gallella (Tewksbury, Mass.). Katie Hurynowicz (Tyngsboro, Mass.) completed the Lady Lancer's comeback as a skyhook put her team out in front 58-57. Sarah Blomgren (Lunenburg, Mass.) had some key rebounds and baskets during the Lady Lancer's comeback. Down the stretch, Worcester State was able to execute on the offense and defensive end to come away with a 73-65 victory. One prominent team stat from the game is that the Lady Lancers outscored Rivier 28-11 in the fourth quarter.

Worcester State (2-2) is back in action on Nov. 20 for a road contest against Wesleyan University with a tipoff at 3:00. Rivier (2-3) will be back in action on Nov. 20 as well against Fitchburg State with a tip time of 1:00.