MCLA captures 1st MASCAC title and NCAA berth in historic 2009-2010 season

North Adams, MA- The MCLA Women's basketball program had high expectations entering the 2009-2010 season.  They returned nine players from a team that achieved the first winning season in program history.  They brought back their top four scorers who were instrumental in setting the school record for wins in a season a year ago with 14.  Even with the lofty expectations from within and experience returning, MCLA was still chosen to finish 6th in the MASCAC preseason poll. 

Led by Head Coach Holly McGovern (5th season), MCLA was poised to earn some respect not only in the MASCAC, but in the region.  McGovern's troops have steadily improved throughout her career, but were still lacking that signature victory that would elevate her program to be considered amongst the league's elite. 

The 2009-2010 season began in similar fashion to those preceding it.  MCLA was off to a fast start, going 9-1 in their first ten games, including a tournament title at the Elms College Classic.  The only blemish early on was to NESCAC power Williams College.  MCLA was winning non conference games handily, but knew the road ahead was about to get much tougher as league play was upon them.

After opening the MASCAC slate at 0-2 following a road defeat at Salem, the women were faced with a must win game at home against rival Westfield State College.  A stingy defensive performance earned the Trailblazers the win 60-35 to temporarily right the ship.  The feel good victory however was short lived as the squad went 1-5 over their next six league games, digging themselves a hole in relation to a postseason MASCAC berth. 

MCLA would recover with back to back home wins against Framingham and Fitchburg later on to essentially clinch a postseason berth.

After a lengthy tiebreaking procedure, MCLA was awarded the fourth seed and earned a home game.  This was just the shot in the arm the Trailblazers needed.  In the three years prior, MCLA has qualified for the postseason, only to go on the road and fall to the MASCAC's top seeded programs.  This year would be different.

MCLA opened at home with a convincing win over Framingham State 63-47.  As much as the Trailblazers were feeling good, a date loomed with top seeded Bridgewater State on the Bears home court.  Not to be outdone, MCLA rose to the occasion and bested the Bears 61-53 to reach the unthinkable, MASCAC finals.

McGovern's team would have to face Worcester State, a team that defeated MCLA twice by double digits in the regular season.  This game would be different though, as MCLA used the neutral court (Bridgewater hosted the event) to their advantage.  MCLA led throughout the game and when a desperation three from the Lancers fell short, the Trailblazers were champions of the MASCAC, earning the programs first championship in the process.  MCLA was awarded the automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, another program first.

Riding the emotion of the championship, MCLA would get the opportunity to face the top ranked team in the country, Amherst College, in the opening round of the NCAA's.  Amherst was 27-0 at the time.  A packed house saw the Trailblazers fight tooth and nail against the nations' elite.  MCLA trailed by 7 at the half, before succombing to the Lord Jeffs 68-47.  A gutsy performance nonetheless, MCLA had now earned their regional respect. 

Although they were defeated, a proud program was now firmly established.  A program that had seen only one winning campaign in their existence, now has had back to back record setting seasons.  They finished the year with a record of 18-10, their best ever mark.

With the record setting season under their belts, the Trailblazers will look to continue their climb towards MASCAC supremacy in 2010-2011.  They will return All MASCAC first team performer and the MASCAC tournament MVP, Jen Wehner.  Wehner led MCLA in scoring at 14.6 ppg.  Wehner led the team and the MASCAC in rebounding (10.1), Field Goal % (57.2), and Blocks (3.11).  MCLA also returns the 2010 MASCAC Rookie of the Year Lucy Tremblay, who averaged 12.6 ppg, good for 5th in the league.

MCLA will say goodbye to three seniors, Jade Prickett, Laura Silverman, and Ali Leveille.  The trio was an integral part of the program turnaround as they were contributing members all four years.  The three seniors were honored at the annual Blue and Gold athletics luncheon for their outstanding contributions to the program.