MCLA Wins at the Buzzer

January 13, 2008
Jen Wehner leads MCLA to win at the buzzer
MCLA 59 - Salem State 57

North Adams, MA - The days of Viking dominance over MCLA came to an abrupt halt tonight as the Trailblazers earned they first win over Salem State in over 28 years. Freshman center Jen Wehner (Cooperstown, NY) scored six of her 13 points in the last 28 seconds of the game to help MCLA even their record to 1-1 in the MASCAC and improve to 9-4 overall. It was also her fourth double-double of the year pulling down 13 rebounds.

In the first half, Salem forced twelve MCLA turnovers and took a seven point lead into the break. The Trailblazers had their backs to the wall and it looks as if the Vikings would continue their winning ways.

Then in the second half, the Trailblazers quietly fought back. They slowly chipped away at a lead that grew as high as 14 for Salem. With just under five minutes remaining, and a basket by Laura Silverman (Ballston Lake, NY), the Trailblazers began to close the gap going on a 11-2 run in the closing minutes. Four points by Alie Dobrovolc (Little Falls, NY) pulled the game to just three points. Then it was time for Wehner to take over on the scoring the rest of the way.

With 45 seconds left Wehner pulled down a rebound and converted the follow-up to bring the game to a point (54-55). Off the ensuing inbound play, Dobrovolc forced a critical Salem turnover. Immediately Coach McGovern called a timeout to gather her troops for the closing seconds. Out of the huddle, the Trailblazers ran a play to open Whener who converted to give her team a 56-55 lead with 28 seconds left.

Wehner's counterpart, senior Danielle Jenkins (Marlbrough, MA) battled all night with the freshman. With just 4.5 seconds left it looked as if Jenkins would finish with the upper hand on the night when Wehner fouled her sending her to the line to win the game for her team. The MASCAC's second leading scorer converted both free throws and Salem took a 56-55 lead. Again, McGovern called a timeout to organize a play to get one last chance. With 1.7 seconds left the Trailblazers ran a sideline play to open up Wehner at the top of the three point arch. She released just before the horn and her teammates stormed the court when her three-point attempt found the bottom of the net giving MCLA a 59-57 win.

Other notables:
Silverman pulled down 18 rebounds on the night giving her her second highest total of the season and her career.
Jenkins finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, and six blocks
Silverman and Wehner continue to lead the MASCAC in rebounding (11.8 and 9.7 respectively)
MCLA leads the MASCAC with 597 rebounds and a +12.4 rebounding margin
MCLA leads the MASCAC with 69.4 points per game

MCLA (9-4, 1-1) will host Green Mountain College in a non-conference match-up at 2:00 on Saturday.
Salem (5-7, 0-1) will host conference leading Westfield State at 1:00 on Saturday.