Lady AMCATS Swim Past Sharks, Net 8th Win of Season

Paxton, Mass. – Anna Maria College senior Taylor Walker (Winchendon, Mass.) posted her sixth double-double of the season as she scored 14 points and grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds to lead the AMCATS to a 77-57 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) win over the visiting Simmons College Sharks in women's basketball action.   With the win the AMCATS even their record at 8-8 (2-1 GNAC) while the Sharks dip to 2-10 (0-2 GNAC) on the season.   

With their 8^th win, the AMCATS record their highest win total since the 2009-2010 season when they finished the year with 10 total wins. 

Junior Katie Pryor (Whitinsville, Mass.) notched a team-high 15 points for the AMCATS and teammate Lyndsay Bond (Webster, Mass.) chipped in with 12 points.  Pryor and Bond combined to shoot an impressive 11-for-17 from the field. 

The Sharks had two players in double-figures.  Freshman Liz Brasa (East Hartford, Conn.) poured in a team-high 17 points, while senior Leah Davis (Cranston, R.I.) tossed in 15 points to lead Simmons. 

The AMCATS jumped ahead early, as Pryor and Bond hit three pointers on back to back positions to give Anna Maria an 8-2 advantage.  A Sharks bucket and converted free throw narrowed the deficit but Pryor and Walker scored on two straight layups to extend the lead to 12-5.  Simmons' Leah Davis would answer with a 3-pointer on their next possession as the teams battled early in the first half. 

Just as Simmons edged closer, freshman Christina Gauvin (Dudley, Mass.) hit two pivotal baskets for the AMCATS to keep the Sharks at bay.  A three pointer at the 13 minute mark and a layup with 10 minutes remaining kept the offense rolling.   The Sharks were unable to cut into the AMCAT lead, and Anna Maria went into the half with a 38-23 cushion. 

Lindsay Bond scored 6 of Anna Maria's first 8 points of the second half and the Sharks were unable to get within more than 14 points of the AMCATS for the rest of the period. 

Anna Maria out rebounded the Sharks 39-32 and held the advantage in shooting percentage, 55%-33%.

Anna Maria returns to action on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. when they host the University of Saint Joseph Blue Jays in a conference match-up.