Women's Basketball Accelerates Past MCLA, 87-62

North Adams, MA- The visiting Westfield State women's basketball team forced 45 turnovers and placed three players in double figures as they sprinted past the MCLA Trailblazers 87-62 in MASCAC action this afternoon.  The Owls are now 12-8 overall and more importantly 6-1 in the MASCAC.  MCLA drops to 4-14 overall and is 0-7 in the league.

The Owls led 27-15 after one quarter and then just 37-27 at the half as MCLA kept it close.  Westfield started to pull away though in the third quarter as they would outscore MCLA 27-15 to seize an insurmountable 64-42 lead heading into the fourth and final quarter.  The lead remained in double digits as MCLA never threatened over the final ten minutes of action.

Westfield struggled offensively in the opening half as they shot just 18%, but maintained their lead over the Trailblazers as MCLA struggled with the Owl pressure.  Westfield shot 41% in the pivotal third quarter to pull away.

The Owls were paced by Kierra McCarthy's game high 18 point effort.  The senior also added 8 rebounds on the afternoon.  Lucy Barrett ended with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 steals in the victory.  Allison Hester chipped in with 13 points off the bench.  Chelsea Moussette only scored 4 points, but ended with 8 assists for the Owls.

MCLA was led by Courtney Pingelski, who scored 16 of her game best 18 points after halftime.  L'Rae Brundige ended with a double double of 12 points and 14 rebounds.

The Trailblazers shot 38% in the loss.

-- recap courtesy MCLA sports info