#4 Worcester State Eliminates #5 Fitchburg State, 66-56

Fahey and Proffitt pace Falcons in final contest of 2010-11 season

WORCESTER, Mass. (February 22, 2011) – Fourth-seeded Worcester State University defeated fifth-seeded Fitchburg State University, 66-56 in quarterfinal action of the MASCAC women's basketball tournament this evening.

With the victory, Worcester State advanced to the MASCAC Semi-Finals to face top-seed Westfield State University on Thursday evening. Fitchburg State concludes its season with an overall record of 11-13 and a 5-7 mark in the MASCAC.

Worcester State senior Kate Foley (Hudson, N.H./Alvirne) led all scorers, recording a game-best 19 points off the bench, shooting 6-of-8 from the floor including 5-of-7 from down town. Sophomore Meaghan O'Keefe (Warren, Mass./Quabog) was also strong with 12 points and eight rebounds, while sophomore Kara Rogers (Lowell, Mass./Lowell) chipped in with 13 points.

Freshman Amy Fahey (Wilmington, Mass./Wilmington) led the Falcons, totaling a team-best 18 points and nine rebounds. Fahey shot 6-of-8 from the floor and a perfect 6-of-6 from the charity stripe, while senior Melissa Proffitt (Hubbardston, Mass./Quabbin Regional) added 13 points and six boards.

After a deadlock first half which saw the score at a 24-24 standstill come intermission, Worcester State exploded for 42 second half points to earn its first victory over Fitchburg State this season. Foley and O'Keefe sparked the Lancers with 11 points and ten points respectively in the half, while Rogers collected eight points and two assists.

The Lancers opened the half with a 7-0 run using a series of free-throws and a three from Alexis George (Worcester, Mass./Holy Name) to grab a 31-24 advantage just 1:30 into the period. Fitchburg State regained the lead 41-40 on a three by Molly Maloney (Taunton, Mass./Taunton), but the Lancers immediately on the ensuing possession as Foley put the Lancers up for good with a shot from beyond the arc.

For the contest, Worcester State shot 50.0% from beyond the arc, including a 7-of-13 effort in the second half. Fitchburg State controlled the boards with a 45-38 margin, but the Lancers saw its advantage come at the free-throw line, posting 20 points at the line compared to the Falcons ten.

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Worcester State 66, Fitchburg State 56