December 9, 2006

Worcester State Outlasts Mt. Holyoke, 73-71

Worcester, MA – The Worcester State College women’s basketball team overcame a six point halftime deficit to defeat the visiting Lyons of Mt. Holyoke College, 73-71, in Lancer Gymnasium Saturday afternoon.  The win improves Worcester State to 6-2 on the year and the Lyons also reset at 6-2.

The Lancers jumped out to a, 14-7, lead at the 14:29 mark of the first half and led, 16-11, at 12:58 before a 7 minute and 28 second scoreless streak allowed the visitors to go on a 13-0 run and take an 8 point lead, 24-16, before a lay-up by junior Jamara Exilus (Malden, MA) broke the scoring drought.  A three pointer by Joeanna Silvey (Boston, MA) closed out the scoring in the first half to give Mt. Holyoke a 28-22 lead at the break.  Silvey led all scorers in the first frame with 15 points.  Worcester State’s Rachael Odugbela (Providence, RI) paced the Lancers with 12 points.  As a team, Worcester State struggled form the field shooting just 30% in the half.  Mt. Holyoke was a little better at 39.3% but the Lyons controlled the boards out-rebounding Worcester State 24-17.

Freshman Jessica Olson (Gilbert, AZ) opened the second half scoring 6 of the Lyons’ first 8 points to help the visitors open up a 12 point advantage, 36-24.  Over the next 4 minutes Worcester State was able to cut the deficit to a single point.  The Lancers tied the game at, 46-46, with just over 10 minutes to play on a free throw shot by senior Tracey Ducasse (Somerville, MA).  The Lancers took the lead on the second free throw and never trailed again.  The teams traded baskets until the 3:26 mark with the game tied at, 61-61, Odugbela hit a free throw to untie the game for the final time.  Worcester State would lead by 8 with under a minute to go but a three pointer by Silvey and pair by senior Angela Astuccio (Foxboro, MA) set the final score at, 73-71.

Odugbela finished with a team-high 23 points followed by junior Lindsay DelleChiaie (Leominster, MA) who finished with 17 points (15 in the 2^nd half).  Silvey was sensational for Mt. Holyoke with 27 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists.   Olson followed with 11 points and 9 rebounds. 

Worcester State will return to action on December 30^th when they play Maine Maritime Academy in the first round of the Keene State Invitational.   Mt. Holyoke will play Western Connecticut at the Land of Magic Classic on December 28^th.

Box Score