Women’s Basketball claims first conference win over Fitchburg State, 66-53
North Adams, MA- The MCLA Women's Basketball team snapped a nine-game losing streak and claimed their first conference win of the season tonight in a convincing 66-53 decision over Fitchburg State. With the win, the Trailblazers improve to 4-16 (1-7 MASCAC) while the Falcons fall to 3-17 (1-6 MASCAC).
Though shooting just 6-21 from the field in the 1st quarter, Fitchburg State took advantage of five offensive rebounds and seven MCLA turnovers to trail just 15-13 going into the first intermission.
Both teams came out slugging in the 2nd quarter putting up a combined 37 points. However, it would be MCLA again on the backs of 56.3% shooting, that would extend their lead to 35-30 at the half.
The MCLA defense would tighten up coming out of the locker room holding Fitchburg State to just 3-16 from the field. On the other side of the ball Zaylee Ramos would put up 8 points to help the Trailblazers push their lead to 51-39 headed in the final quarter.
Both teams would struggle offensively in the 4th quarter, but the Falcons would never get any closer than 57-46 and MCLA would cruise to their first MASCAC win of the season, 66-53.
Fitchburg State's Juliana Davis (13 points) and teammate Rylie Harlow (12 points) led the way for the Falcons.
MCLA's Zaylee Ramos finished with a game-high 21 points while Maddie Teta (14 points), Kristie Zator (13 points) and Hailey Peabody (10 points and ten rebounds) all had strong games.
The Trailblazers held the Falcons to just 26.4% from the floor while shooting a season best 46.2% themselves.
Both teams will next take on Framingham State; Fitchburg will host the Rams on Saturday at noon, while MCLA will travel to Framingham next Wednesday for a 7:30pm tip-off.