Fitchburg State Clipped By Westfield State, 102-60

Villa notches career best 18 points for Falcons in MASCAC setback

WESTFIELD, Mass. – Fitchburg State dropped a 102-60 decision to the Owls of Westfield State University in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCASC) women's basketball action at the Woodward Center this afternoon.

In the first quarter, Westfield State took a quick 6-0 lead on three pointers by freshman Lucy Barrett and junior Jill Valley before the Falcons answered with a pair of bucket from newcomer Hannah Keohan and senior Erika Schneider to cut the lead to 6-4.

After a layup by Schneider, the Owls went a 17-2 run to close out the opening quarter, keyed by junior Kirsy Segarra's seven points, while Valley and junior Susan Bell added one basket each for the 34-13 advantage.

Both teams traded buckets to start the second quarter as junior Shabeli Villa knocked down a trey and classmate Melissa Guglielmello added a jumpers for the Falcons, while Segarra and senior Ashley Giampetruzzi had the baskets for Westfield State (39-18).

The Owls responded with a 16-2 streak, led by sophomore Rebecca Sapouckey's two jumpers, while five other Owls registered points during the streak. The Green and Gold proceeded with a 7-0 run of their own on a three pointer by Villa and layups from Schneider and sophomore Michaela McTomney to make the score 58-29 going into the locker room.

Following intermission, Westfield State extended its lead (64-29) on jumpers from Barrett, Valley and senior Forbasaw Nkambebo before the Falcons countered with a trey by Villa and layup from McTomney.

Following jumper from Villa, the Owls went on a 10-0 run as Valley, Sapouckey, Giampetruzzi all notched buckets, while freshman Syndey Turner added a three pointer as the host took an 86-47 margin after three quarters of play.

In the final quarter, the Green and Gold cut into the deficit on a jumper by Schneider, a layup from sophomore Fiona Sugruea and a trey from Keohan (90-54). Westfield State secured its 13th win on the season as newcomers Kierra McCarthy and Kristen Swain knocked down jumpers before Sugrue buried a jumper from 20 feet out for the Falcons, resulting in the 102-60 final.

For Fitchburg State, Villa led the way with a new career best 18 points, one rebound, two assists, one block and one steal, while McTomney registered a double-double of 14 points and 11 caroms to go along with four assists, three blocks and one steal.

Westfield State was paced by Segarra, who posted a game-best 24 points, two caroms, six steals and two assists, while Valley added 21 points, three boards, three assists, six steals and one block for the hosts.

Throughout the contest, Fitchburg State shot 37.1% (23.for-62) from the field, including 5-of-14 (35.7%) from beyond the arc. Westfield State finished 41.1% (37-of-90) overall and 8-for-35 (22.9%) from three point range. On the boards, the Falcons held a slim 52-50 advantage on the glass, while the Owls controlled the offensive end with 28 offensive rebounds.

Fitchburg State (0-19, 0-7 MASCAC) returns to action on Wednesday as it hosts the Gators of Pine Manor College for a 7 p.m. tipoff. Westfield State (13-6, 6-1 MASCAC) will host Williams College on Monday at 7 p.m.

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