Falcons Fall to Wesleyan in Non-Conference Action, 74-54

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. – Fitchburg State University was downed by by Wesleyan, 74-54, in a non-conference women's basketball contest on Sunday afternoon. With the setback, the Falcons fall to 7-2 on the year, while the Cardinals improve to .500 (5-5) with the victory. 

After leading 18-4, Wesleyan continued to extend the difference during the first half and held a 22-point edge at intermission, 44-22.  The lead vacillated between 15 and 23 points throughout the second half as Wesleyan overcame a bit of a comeback by the Falcons as full-court pressure forced a number of turnoves for the hosts and a 59-38 lead with 11:09 to go was reduced to the lowest margin of the second period at 63-48 with 7:11 on the clock. Junior Jackie Browne then hit a three-pointer for the Cardinals, and after a Fitchburg miss, senior Jess Cherenza hit from close range to push the gap back to 20.  Wesleyan kept the margin at 18 or more over the final 6:16. 

Tops for the Falcons were senior Laura Cote with 10 points, seven rebounds, four assist and four steals. Senior Rebecca Fluet added nine points while senior Megan Wodzinski chipped in with eight.  Seniors Britney Payne and Kristen Enright tied Cote for team-high honors on the glass with seven rebounds each.

Wesleyan was led by sophomore Brenna Diggins with 21 points on 7-for-10 shooting from both the field and line.  She also paced the squad with nine rebounds.  Cherenza was good for 16 points and five boards.  Senior Dreisen Heath had eight points, six rebounds and six assists for the Cardinals.  

Wesleyan had a slight 44-41 edge on the boards while Fitchburg forced 16 Cardinal turnovers with 12 steals and only gave up the ball 10 times.

Up next for Fitchburg State is a home game vs. Keene St. Tuesday, Jan. 6., while Wesleyan begins conference play in its next outing, visiting Colby Friday, Jan. 9.  

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