Fitchburg State Upended By MCLA, 62-38

Rose nets seven points and eight rebounds in MASCAC setback 

FITCHBURG, Mass. – The Fitchburg State women's basketball team dropped a tough 62-38 decision to the Trailblazers of MCLA in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action this evening at the Parkinson Gymnasium.

In the first quarter, Fitchburg State opened the contest on a 5-0 run on a bucket and free throw from junior Michaela McTomeny and a layup from senior Shabeli Villa before MCLA responded with an 8-0 stretch, with senior Courtney McLaughlin collecting all eight points for the 8-5 advantage.

The Falcons closed out the quarter on a 7-2 run with senior Briana Pelton knocking down a trey, while newcomer Kyra Rose connected on a pair of layups to make the score 12-10 after ten minutes of play.

In the second frame, both teams traded scores to start quarter before the Trailblazers regained the lead on a jumper from McLaughlin (16-15). With the score 27-21, Fitchburg State cut the lead four (27-23) going into the break on a jumper by freshman Jaliannette Marquez.

Following the intermission, MCLA upped its margin (34-27) as sophomore Samantha Gawron hit a three ball, while senior Amanda Clawson added a layup. The Green and Gold answered back with a pair of layup from sophomore Amy Connolly to cut the lead to 39-31 going into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth stanza, the visitors went on a 7-0 run to start the frame on a three-pointer by sophomore Courtney Pingelski and back-to-back layup from McLaughlin (46-35). Following a bucket by senior Melissa Guglielmello, the Trailblazers sealed the win on a pair of free throws from Clawson, resulting in the 62-38 final.

Rose led Fitchburg State with seven points, eight rebounds, two assists and a block, while McTomney added five points and six rebounds for the Green and Gold. For MCLA, McLaughlin finished with a game-best 18 points, four boards, three assists, one block and two steals, while sophomore Karina Mattera chipped in with ten points, six caroms and one steal.

Throughout the game, Fitchburg State went 16-for-69 (23.2%) and just (2-of-30) 6.7% from beyond the arc, while MCLA shot 35.0% (21-of-60) and (33.3%) 5-for-15 from three point range. The Trailblazers also controlled the glass, holding a 56-49 advantage on the boards.

Fitchburg State (6-8, 0-4 MASCAC) returns to action on Saturday as it hosts the Vikings of Salem State University at 3 p.m. MCLA (7-8, 2-3 MASCAC) will be back in action on Saturday as well as they host the Pride of Springfield College at 1 p.m.