Fitchburg State Topped By Framingham State, 77-52

Rose and Connolly combine for 27 points in MASCAC setback 

FITCHBURG, MASS. – The Fitchburg State women's basketball team dropped a tough 77-52 decision to the Rams of Framingham State University in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action this afternoon at the Parkinson Gymnasium.

Framingham State took an 8-3 lead to open the contest on a pair of baskets by senior Sarah Palace, while junior Raegan Mulherin and senior Monta Connolly added two points each. Fitchburg State answered back with a three-pointer by senior Melissa Guglielmello and a layup from classmate Amy Connolly (10-8).

The Rams proceeded to go on an 11-2 run to close out the quarter as junior Quinn O'Connell sparked the Rams offense with seven points, while freshman Mary Kate O'Day and sophomore Tiphani Harris chipped in with one bucket each to make the score 21-10.

In the second quarter, the visitors extended its margin following a 10-0 stretch on a three-pointer and layup from Connolly, while Harris added a trio of free-throws for the 31-12 edge. Fitchburg State cut into the deficit (38-26) after Rose connected on a pair form the charity stripe and sophomore Hannah Keohan hit on a 15 foot jumper before Framingham State took a 43-26 advantage into the half on a pair of free throws by Connolly.

After the break, the Falcons battled back to cut the lead to eight (43-35) on a pair of layup from Rose, a jumper by A. Connolly and a three ball from newcomer Emma Thomson. Framingham State responded with a three-pointer by O'Connell, while M. Connolly added a layup and a free throw for the 57-42 margin going into the final quarter of play.

In the fourth quarter, the Rams opened the frame with buckets from M. Connolly, Harris and O'Connell. Fitchburg State countered as Rose and Guglielmello knocked down jumpers (63-48) before Framingham State sealed the win with a jumper by O'Day, resulting in the 77-52 final.

Rose led the way for the Green and Gold with a team-best 14 points, eight rebounds, one assist, three blocks and one steal, while A. Connolly added 13 points, six boards, one assist and three blocks for the Falcons.

For Framingham State, O'Connell led all scorers with 25 points, seven rebounds, one assist and three steals, while Connolly added to the mix with 15 points, six boards, three assists and four steals.

Throughout the game, Fitchburg State shot 20-for-73 (27.4%) from the field and (3-of-22) 13.6% from beyond the arc, while Framingham State finished 28-of-76 (36.8%) overall and (3-for-19) 15.8% from three point range.

Prior to the contest, the Fitchburg State women's basketball team honor four seniors playing in their final regular season home contest. #12 Briana Pelton, #14 Melissa Guglielmello, #15 Shabeli Villa and #55 Amy Connolly for their contributions to the program.

Fitchburg State concludes its 2016-17 season with an overall record of 9-16 and a 1-11 mark in the MASCAC.