Women's Basketball Edged by Lasell, 49-46

NEWTON, Mass. – The Lasell College women's basketball team came out on top against Anna Maria College 49-46 in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) contest this afternoon in the Lasell College Athletic Center. The win pushes the Lasers to 8-14 (3-6 GNAC) while the AMCATS drop to 9-14 (4-5 GNAC). 

Prior to today's contest, Lasell honored the lone senior of the squad, Justine Ryan (Norwood, Mass.). Ryan has contributed tremendous leadership, dedication, and hard work throughout her career as a member of the women's basketball team. Ryan will be truly missed on the court, and we wish her well in her future endeavors. 

Junior guard Katie Stopera (Hollis, N.H.) sent the Lasers over the top with a game high 29 points and 8 rebounds.  Freshman forward Breanna Cashman (Norwich, N.Y.) stood her ground at the post with five poitns and eight boards. 

AMCATS' senior forward Trafficia Warburton (Worcester, Mass.) and junior forward Lindsay Bond (Webster, Mass.) registered 12 and 11 points, respectively. Sophomore guard Christina Gauvin (Dudley, Mass.) grabbed ten boards and recorded eight points. 

The AMCATS took the lead at the beginning of the game until Lasell junior guard Deanna Barrett (Berlin, Conn.) gave the Lasers the lead with a layup and a free throw with 9:30 left in the first half.  Anna Maria responded quickly as freshman guard Kristina Russo (South Windsor, Conn.) shot a three pointer, giving the AMCATS the lead for the rest of the half. 

With layups by Deja Taitt (Cambia Heights, N.Y.) and Warburton  and a set of free throws made by sophomore forward Emily Capstick (Worcester, Mass.), the AMCATS went on a 6-0 run over the course of 4:40, giving them the 26-22 lead. 

The score toggled back and forth during the start of the second half. Lasell went on an 11-2 run spanning 4:55. Stopera highlighted the rally with nine points, in addition to a layup from Cashman to extend their lead 47-39. The Lasers concluded the game with a 49-46 victory, outrebounding the AMCATS 41-36. 

Lasell shot 36-percent from the field, 14.3-percent from downtown, and 76.9-percent from the charity stripe. Anna Maria sank 31.1-percent of shots from the floor, 22.7-percent from three-point range, and 50-percent from the free throw line.

Both teams will resume play on Tuesday, February 17. The Lasers will compete in a GNAC matchup against Rivier University at home with a 6:00 p.m. tip-off, while Anna Maria will travel to Boston, Mass. to take on Emmanuel College at 7:00 p.m.

Recap courtesy of Lasell Sports Information