Westfield State Eliminates Fitchburg State, 58-47

Falcons fall one game short of MASCAC playoff berth due to tiebreakers  

FITCHBURG, Mass. (February 20, 2010) - The Fitchburg State women's basketball team suffered a season-ending setback this afternoon as the Falcons fell to Westfield State College, 58-47 at the Recreation Center.

With the victory, Westfield State improves to 10-15 on the season (4-8 MASCAC) and earns a MASCAC Tournament berth, while the Falcons conclude their 2009-10 campaign with a 10-15 (4-8 MASCAC) mark, falling one game short of the playoffs due to numerous tie breakers.

Leading by two with 8:20 remaining in regulation, Westfield State exploded for 14-2 run to open a commanding 12 point advantage and secure its playoff berth. The Owls connected for eight straight points to close out the run at the 2:47 mark as Ashley Finnegan (Worcester, Mass./Holy Name) and Briana Kelley (Hampden, Mass./Minnechaug) connected on back-to-back lay ups following a huge three pointer from Angela Paterson (Nantucket, Mass./Nantucket).

Fitchburg State fought hard throughout the contest, battling back from an eight point deficit at the half to grab a three point margin just three minutes into the second frame. The Falcons rifled off 11 straight points to open the stanza as junior Melissa Proffitt (Hubbardston, Mass./Quabbin Regional) heated up for nine of her game-high 17 points.

The Owls responded quickly, knotting the score at 34-34 with a trio of free-throws from Finnegan before Paterson gave Westfield State 37-34 lift with a bucket from beyond the arc. Finnegan led the Owls second half attack with seven points on 5-of-8 shooting from the free-throw line, while Paterson nailed a pair of three point daggers.

Fitchburg State received a solid effort from Proffitt who led all scorers with 17 points and seven rebounds, while classmate Molly Maloney (Taunton, Mass./Taunton) also hit double-figures with ten points and four caroms. Kelley finished strong for the Owls, totaling a team-high 14 points on 5-of-15 shooting, while Finnegan collected 11 points and seven boards.

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Westfield State 58, Fitchburg State 47