Falcons Defeated by Wesleyan Cardinals

Fitchburg, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University women's basketball team dropped an 80-45 decision to the Cardinals of Wesleyan University in non-conference action this afternoon at the Parkinson Gymnasium.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 80, Wesleyan 45
Records: Fitchburg State (1-10) | Wesleyan (6-2)

How It Happened

Wesleyan broke out to an early 8-4 advantage after a pair of free-throws from junior Katy O'Connor (Southampton, Mass.). The Falcons responded with a jumper from first year Lindsay McDonald (Stoughton, Mass.) capped with a deep trey from senior Angelina Marazzi (Manchester, NH) to take a 9-8 lead. Senior Catherine Coppinger (Boston, Mass.) made a layin off a dish from junior Payton Holmes (Carver, Mass.) for the Green and Gold to trail 15-13 after one frame.

Midway through the second period Coppinger completed a three point play to make the score 19-16. Sparked by four points from sophomore Maddie Clark (Contoocook, NH), the visitors closed out the quarter on a 13-3 run to make the score 35-21 going into break.

Following the intermission, Wesleyan upped its advantage (40-23) going on an 8-2 run, keyed by a trey from sophomore Caleigh Ryan (New York, NY) before the Falcons countered with a three-pointer from the corner from Holmes to cut the lead to 50-27.

In the fourth quarter the Cardinals continued to build on its lead as Clark drained a three to make the score 67-29.  Fitchburg State answered back on a jumpers from McDonald, Marazzi and a three-pointer from Holmes, resulting in the 80-45 final.

Inside the Numbers

Fitchburg State shot 17-of-56 (30.4%) from the field and 15.8% (3-for-19) from three point range.

Wesleyan went 31-of-72 (43.1%) overall, including (10-for-30) 33.3% from beyond the arc.

The Falcons were led by Marazzi with a team-leading 12 points and four rebounds, while Coppinger added eight points, three assists and five caroms.

For the Cardinals, freshman Maggie Lee (Southbury, Conn.) finished with a game-best 16 points off the bench, while sophomore Marina Petruzzi (Clairton, Penn.) chipped in with 13 points and four rebound.

Up Next

Both teams are now off for the winter break, Fitchburg State will return to the court on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 when they travel to Pine Manor College at 6:00PM. Wesleyan will visit Babson on Saturday, January 4^th for the Judy Pearson Memorial Tournament starting at 1:00 PM.