Mattera nets career best 17 points in Trailblazer loss at Springfield

Springfield, MA- The Springfield College women's basketball team recieved 16 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists from Emily Gins as the Pride handed the visiting MCLA Trailblazers a 73-52 setback Monday night.  With the win, the Pride improve to 12-6 overall while the Trailblazers drop to 10-7.

MCLA was down just 29-20 at halftime as both teams struggled to get going offensively.  The Pride however, owned the third quarter as they outscored MCLA 23-11 to give them some breathing room.  Gins collected 6 points in the decisive quarter and the Pride forced 5 MCLA turnovers to take control 52-31 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Trailblazers put up 21 points in the fourth quarter, however the Pride continued their torrid second half equaling MCLA's output in cruising to the victory.  The Pride shot a torrid 61% in the closing half to pull away from the Trailblazers.

MCLA freshman guard Karina Mattera continued her scoring ways notching a career best 17 point effort to lead all scorers.  She was 7-15 from the floor and nailed a trio of three pointers.  Kayla Hotaling, Samantha Gawron, and Courtney Durivage each finished with 6 points apiece.  The Trailblazers turned the ball over 18 times in the contest.

For the Pride, Gins was outstanding going 7-15 from the floor for her 16 points.  She controlled the glass collecting 10 of her 14 rebounds on the defensive end.  Heather Lewis added 12 points as did Chelsea McAllister.  

MCLA continues the road trip on Wednesday when they travel to MASCAC foe Bridgewater State for a 5:30pm tipoff.