Falcons Rally Past Trailblazers, 81-76

Mitchell nets team-leading 21 points off the bench in key MASCAC victory

North Adams, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University women's basketball team defeated the Trailblazers of MCLA, 81-76 in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action this evening at the Amsler Athletic Center.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 81, MCLA 76

Records: Fitchburg State (7-15, 1-8 MASCAC) | MCLA (6-16, 2-8 MASCAC)

How It Happened

Fitchburg State opened up a 13-10 margin midway through the first quarter on back-to-back three-pointers by sophomore Angelina Marazzi (Manchester, N.H.) and newcomer Mikaela Mitchell (Millbury, Mass.) before MCLA took a ten point margin (23-13) late in the frame on baskets by freshman Kylah Langston (East Hartford, Conn.), junior Samantha Gawron (South Hadley, Mass.) and classmate Courtney Pingelski (Mechanicville, N.Y.),

In the second quarter, the Trailblazers extended its lead (32-18) on a three ball from Gawron, but the Falcons chipped away at the deficit, cutting the lead to 40-34 with sophomore Emma Thomson (York, Maine) leading the way with a pair of treys, while newcomers Chloe Roberts (Hanson, Mass.) and Payton Holmes (Carver, Mass.) added on three pointer as well.

Following the intermission, Fitchburg State battled back to take a 54-52 edge on a layup from Holmes and trey by sophomore Allysa Rivera (Chelsea, Mass.), but MCLA took a 57-56 margin into the fourth frame after Gawron connected on a layup with three seconds left in the stanza.

In the final quarter of play, the Green and Gold regained the lead, going on a 16-2 run to open the frame as Mitchell lead the way with six points, while Marazzi and senior Michaela McTomney (Bellingham, Mass.) added four points each to make the score 72-59.

With the score 77-73, Fitchburg State upped its advantage with Mitchell connecting on three free-throws, while McTomney added one from the charity stripe (81-73) before MCLA capped the scoring on a three-pointer by Gawron, resulting in the 81-76 final.

Inside the Numbers

Fitchburg State shot 30-of-69 (43.5%) from the field and 43.8% (14-for-32) from three point range.

MCLA went 29-of-66 (43.9%) overall, including (8-for-19) 42.1% from beyond the arc.

The Falcons were led by Mitchell with a team-leading 21 points and seven rebounds, while McTomney added a double-double of 13 points and 17 boards.

For the Trailblazers, Gawron netted a game best 23 points and six caroms, while Pingelski chipped in with 23 points and seven rebounds.

Fitchburg State controlled the glass with a 46-33 margin on the boards, while MCLA forced 16 turnovers into 24 points on the offensive end.

69th meeting between the two schools on the parquet with the Falcons 41-28 all-time when taking on the Trailblazers.

MCLA had won the last five contests against Fitchburg State, including an 82-53 decision earlier this season (1/18/18) at the Parkinson Gymnasium.

Up Next

Falcons will host the Lancers of Worcester State University on Saturday for a MASCAC matchup, starting at 12:00 P.M. Trailblazers will travel to Salem State on Wednesday to take on the Vikings for a conference tilt at 5:30 P.M.