Anna Maria Tops Fitchburg State, 72-48

McTomney notches double-double of 12 points and 22 boards for Falcons

PAXTON, Mass. – The Fitchburg State women's basketball team was in action this evening, dropping a 72-48 decision to the Amcats of Anna Maria College in non-conference action at the Fuller Center.

Fitchburg State was paced by sophomore Michaela McTomney, who posted double-double of 12 points, 22 rebounds, one steal and one block, while freshman Samantha Holey totaled 11 points, five caroms, one assist and a block. Junior Shabeli Villa was also reached double figures, adding ten points and four boards for the Falcons.

For Anna Maria, junior guard Christina Gauvin notched a game-best 24 points, six caroms, two assists and seven steals, while junior Deja Taitt registered 15 points, two rebounds, six assists and four steals.

The Amcats opened the contest on a 15-0 run as Taitt recorded seven of her 15 points over the course of the run, while Gauvin added three points. Senior Lindsey Bond and sophomore Kristina Russo also collected one basket each for Anna Maria.

Fitchburg State answered with a  7-1 run to end the first quarter on a pair of buckets by Holey, a layup from McTomney and a free throw by senior Erica Schneider to cut the deficit to 20-9 after one quarter of play.

In the second quarter, Anna Maria extended its lead (41-17), going on a 12-2 streak as Gauvin sparked the run with a three pointer, while Russo added six points during the stretch before the Falcons responded again, closing the half on an 11-2 run behind a pair of trey's from Villa to make the score 43-28, going into the locker room.

Following the break, the two teams proceed to trade baskets throughout most of the third stanza before the hosts went on a 6-2 run to end the quarter on a pair of layups from senior Jessica Goulets and free throws by Gauvin and Taitt for the 63-39 advantage.

With eight minutes left in the contest, Anna Maria sealed the win, going on a 7-3 streak, keyed by pair of jumpers from Gauvin and free throws from juniors Nicole Mareiro and Emily Capstick, freshman Shannon Hofmiller, resulting in the 72-48 final

Throughout the contest, Fitchburg State shot 15-for-53 (28.3%) from the field, including 27.3% (3-for-11) from beyond the arc. Anna Maria finished 26-of-61 (42.6%) overall and 35.3% (6-for-17) from three point range. Fitchburg State controlled the glass, holding a 48-33 margin in rebounds, including a 21-11 advantage on the offensive end.

Fitchburg State (0-8; 0-0 MASCAC) return to the hardwood on Thursday as it travels to Suffolk University for a contest starting at 7 p.m. Anna Maria (5-1, 0-0 GNAC) will visit Wesleyan University on Friday in first round action of the 2015-16 Wesleyan University Tournament at 7 p.m.