Hot-shooting AMCATS take season opener, 73-35

PAXTON, Mass. – The AMCATS had three players in double figures, and shot a sizzling 64.3% in the first half, to defeat Mitchell College 73-35 in their season opener during a non-conference matchup at The  Fuller Activities Center in Paxton, Mass. The win marked the first of the season for the AMCATS, as well as the first victory under new Head Coach Chris Oroszko. The AMCATS jumped out to a quick 11-0 lead with good ball movement and hot shooting from a variety of players. Samantha Ashton set the tone early, scoring six of the game's first 11 points. The AMCATS made an impressive 5-of-8 three pointers in the first half, helping them jump out to a 46-16 lead at intermission and they never looked back. Samantha Ashton (Worcester, Mass.) led all players with 19 points and also added eight boards. Alison McCarthy (Lynn, Mass.) added 12 points on 4-5 shooting from the three point line, and dished out a game-high six assists. Tonique Adkins (New Haven, Conn.) also chipped in with 10 points and two steals. Brittany Smith (Winsted, Conn.) led the Mariners with nine points, six rebounds, and an impressive nine steals. Kaylee Cerruto (Torrington, Conn.) also chipped in with nine points during the loss.  The AMCAT defense got stingier as the game went on, holding the Mariners to an impressive 17.9% shooting in the second half, and 20% overall for the game. Brittany Quattrocci (Burlington, VT) and Chelsea Blair (Holland, Mass.) gave AMC a strong presence down low, combining for 19 rebounds and six blocks from the center position. The AMCATS also received big contributions from newcomer Kayla Cummings (Auburn, Maine) who had six assists and played strong defense all game. Both teams will return to action against each other in the opening round of the Blue Jay Tip-Off Tournament on Friday at 6:00pm at St. Joseph's College in West Hartford Connecticut. Photo Courtesy of David Sheridan for AMC Sports Information