MCLA defeats Vikings 64-61 for first conference victory

North Adams, MA- The MCLA Women's Basketball team  received 22 points from Courtney McLaughlin and they used solid free throw shooting down the stretch to hold off visiting Salem State 64-61 this evening at the James T. Amsler Gymnasium.  With the win, the Trailblazers earned their first MASCAC victory and are now 7-11 overall, 1-5 in the conference.  The Vikings fall to 2-15 overall and are still in search of their first conference win.

McLaughlin did most of her damage in the opening half and ended 7-12 from the field for her 22 points.  Kayla Hotaling also had a big night collecting a double double of 18 points and 12 rebounds.  The win snapped a six game slide for MCLA.

Rachael Carter led all scorers with 25 points for the Vikings.

MCLA held a 29-20 halftime lead and eventually moved out to a 36-22 lead as Brayleigh Hanlon started the second half hot.  The Vikings would answer behind Carter though using a 9-0 run to pull within five at 36-31 with 14:48 left to play.  MCLA would answer and push back out to a eight point lead at 48-40 with 6:50 left in regulation before the Vikings rallied again.

This time they used a 9-2 spurt to pull within a point at 50-49 following Gabriela Feraro's triple with 3:12 left.  On the ensuing possession, MCLA's Courtney Durivage converted a three point play and Salem could not get any closer as the Trailblazers made 12-17 free throws in the waning minutes to hold off the Vikings.

The MCLA duo of Hotaling and McLaughlin scored all the Trailblazer points in the opening half.  Hotaling tallied 16 points and McLaughlin 13 as the pair went an impressive 10-11 from the floor.  Even with their efforts, it was the Vikings who used solid three point shooting to stay within reach.. 

After MCLA led early on, the Vikings used the three to tie the score at 12.  Then MCLA would use a 13-2 spurt to grab their largest first half lead at 25-14.  SSU's Carter would then nail back to back threes to pull within five, but the Trailblazers responded by scoring final four points of half to secure a 29-20 edge at the break.  In another statistical oddity, all of SSU's made field goals in the half were from beyond the arc.  They shot 6-13 from deep, yet were 0-15 inside the arc.

The first half saw a combined 27 turnovers between the two clubs.

Salem's Carter completed the double double by snagging 10 rebounds.  She was joined in double figures by Sarah Callahan, who ended with 11 points.  The Vikings forced MCLA into 26 turnovers, while committing just 19 themselves.  They shot 32% in the game.

Hotaling filled the stat sheet with her efforts adding 6 blocks.  Durivage ended with 8 points and 10 rebounds for MCLA.  The Trailblazers shot 38% from the floor.

MCLA will continue MASCAC play on Saturday when they travel to Bridgewater State.​