Worcester State Lancers Drop Contest Against Salem State

Worcester, MA- After a gruelling match with Framingham State this past Saturday, the Lancers Women's Basketball team (5-10, 2-2) aimed to get back to conference success tonight as they journeyed to the Vikings for their fifth conference game of the season.

Final

Worcester State: 59

Salem State: 60

How it Happened:

The first quarter started with junior guard Aydan Gulliver (Cranston, RI) getting the scoring started for the Lancers, thanks to a strong offensive rebound from junior guard Mia Haynes (Worcester, MA). Early on in the quarter, there would be a lot of empty possessions due to turnovers committed deep within the offensive drives committed by Worcester, which in turn allowed the Vikings to separate themselves from the Blue and Gold early on. The quarter ended with a last-ditch effort from senior guard Hannah Lamonaco (Northbridge, MA) from the 3-point line to get them within 10 points, but a strong defensive effort by the Vikings would find the opportunity falling short.

The Lancers started out fast in the second quarter, with the first possession score by sophomore forward Sophia Faginski (South Hadley, MA), followed up by a layup from junior guard Lena Waldron (Quincy, MA) to cut the Vikings' lead to 6 just minutes into the second. Salem would then go on a scoring run for themselves for the following minutes. Shortly after the run, Waldron and Gulliver would both hit their next shots to shrink the deficit back down to 8 points, followed by a 3-pointer from Gulliver to give the Lancers some momentum heading into the final 5 minutes of the half. Waldron would continue the momentum by driving and getting to the bucket, cutting the lead to 5 points down the stretch. In the last minute and change, Gulliver would drive right down the right lane for a quick layup, and on the other end, Lomonaco would grab a rebound that would end up in Gulliver's hands again for another basket from behind the arc to get within 3 points of the home team. The first half would end with Salem getting a free throw to give them a 28-24 lead going into the second half.

The second half would start with the Lancers quickly tying the game up, thanks to junior center Alana Smith (Chicopee, MA) and two free throws from Lomonaco within the first couple of minutes of the half. Lomonaco would give the Lancers their first lead of the game, knocking down both shots from the line. Haynes would then drive into contact and get an and-one opportunity for the three point lead. Lomonaco would then get a 3-pointer to go, followed up by a jumper from Waldron to increase the lead going down into the final minutes of the quarter. Salem would then go on an 8-1 run to end the quarter, putting them up two going into the fourth.

The final quarter started with a handful of turnovers from each side, ending in a technical foul called on Salem, which Lomonaco capitalized on, making both of the free throws. The Vikings would then get a quick layup on the other end, and Waldron would drain a 3-pointer to get within a point of the home team. The two squads would continue to go back and forth, with no team being able to pull away with a considerable lead. Salem would eventually get two straight possessions with points, leading them to grab a slight lead for the moment. After that short run from the Vikings, Worcester would then go on a small run themselves, thanks to shots from Waldron and Gulliver, which put them back in the lead with under two minutes to go in the game. Salem would then get the opportunity to take the lead via free throws and met the challenge to do so, giving them a one-point lead with under a minute left, and the Lancers would work to grab a late lead and win but could not find the basket on their remaining possessions, giving Salem the win 60-59 in this conference outing.

Waldron would find the on court success on the night with 17 points and nearly had the double-double with nine rebounds.

What's Next:

Worcester State (5-11, 2-3) return home on Saturday when they welcome Anna Maria to Brissette for their second meeting of the year, but first in their conference schedule with a 12pm start.