Fitchburg State Defeated By Bridgewater State, 88-50
Villa, Keohan and McTomney combine for 29 points in Falcons MASCAC setback
BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – The Fitchburg State women's basketball team dropped an 88-50 decision to the Bears of Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCASC) action this evening at the Tinsley Center.
Fitchburg State opened the scoring with a layup from junior Shabeli Villa before the Bears answered with a 10-0 run on a layup and three pointer by senior Stephanie DeSantis, a basket from junior Chanelle Melton and a trey by senior Vanessa Conceicao to take a 10-2 lead.
The Falcons proceed to cut into the deficit (12-7) as sophomore Michaela McTomney converted a layup followed by a free throw, while senior Stephanie Leveillee added a basket with just under five minutes remaining in the first quarter.
Bridgewater State closed out the first quarter with a pair of buckets from Melton and a jumper by sophomore Rhianna Page for a 27-8 margin after ten minutes of play.
The two squads traded basket to start the second quarter as newcomer Hannah Keohan and sophomore Briana Pelton knocked down buckets for the Green and Gold, while sophomore Janet Maher had both jumpers for the Bears (30-12).
Fitchburg State continued to battle late in the frame when Villa knocked down a three pointer to the cut the lead to 39-23 before junior Jennie Lindland connected on a jumper with 46 second left in the half en-route to a 45-25 half time advantage for hosts.
Following intermission, Bridgewater State broke the contest open, going on a 16-0 run as Conceicao and Lindland registered five points each, while DeSantis and newcomer Sara DaSilva added three pointers to make the score 61-25.
In the final quarter, Fitchburg State responded following a trey by Maher with a three pointer of their own from Villa, a bucket by freshman Kerry Brodbeck, a pair of free throws from sophomore Fiona Sugrue and three pointer by senior Tori Cyrus to close out the scoring as the Bear held on for an 88-50 victory.
For Fitchburg State, Villa led the way with a game-high 15 points, two boards, two assists and four steals, while McTomney added seven points, six rebounds and two assists. Keohan was also solid for the Green and Gold, posting seven points, five caroms, one steal and a pair of assists.
Leading the way for Bridgewater State was sophomore Jennifer Whyte with a game-best 15 points and one steal off the bench, while Melton (13), Maher (12) and Page (10) all reached double figures as well for the Bears.
Throughout the contest, Fitchburg State shot 42.6% (20-for-47) from the field, including 5-of-10 (50.0%) from beyond the arc. Bridgewater State finished a stellar 53.8% (35-of-65) overall and 11-for-28 (39.3%) from three point range. On the boards, the Bears held a commanding 36-23 advantage, including 14-6 edge on the offensive glass.
Fitchburg State (0-21, 0-8 MASCAC) returns to action on Wednesday as it hosts the Lancers of Worcester State for a 5:30 pm tipoff. Bridgewater State (9-11, 6-2 MASCAC) will visit Salem State University on Saturday for a 5:30 pm start.