Women's Basketball knocks off Salem State 67-53, will face top seeded Westfield Thursday

North Adams, MA- The fourth seeded MCLA Women's Basketball team used a strong fourth quarter to pull away from visiting fifth seed Salem State as the Trailblazers defeated the Vikings 67-53 to advance in a MASCAC quarterfinal round matchup.  With the win, the Trailblazers (14-12) will move on to face the top seeded Westfield State Owls on Thursday night at 7pm at the Woodward Center.  The Vikings end their season at 8-18.

Karina Mattera scored 12 of her game best 17 points in the decisive fourth quarter to pace the Trailblazers.  Kayla Hotaling also posted solid numbers collecting a stat line of 12 points, 19 rebounds (7 offensive), and 4 blocked shots.  

MCLA held a slim 45-44 lead heading into the fourth quarter after Salem State scored to end the third.  When the Vikings' Kia Fernandes connected on a three point play to open the quarter, they led for the first time since the opening minutes 47-45.  MCLA's McKenzie Robinson responded with a deep three to give the hosts back the lead and the teams swapped buckets on the next two possessions making it 51-50 in favor of Salem with 8:00 left to play.

From there Mattera took over.  She connected on a three pointer after collecting a steal to give MCLA the lead for good at 53-51 and she'd continue her own run scoring the next six for the Trailblazers making it 59-53 with just 1:09 left to play.  The Trailblazers were able to keep the Vikings at bay by collecting 10 offensive rebounds in the pivotal quarter.

Forced to foul, the Vikings would send MCLA to the stripe and they closed the game out on an 8-0 spurt to pull away and earn a date with the top seeded Owls Thursday night.

The first half saw both teams play well.  MCLA shot a solid 50% from the floor while the Vikings connected on 40% of their first half attempts.  The score at halftime was 37-33 in favor of MCLA.  

Mattera was 7-19 from the floor for her 17 point effort.  She added 3 assists and 4 steals in the win.  Hotaling went just 3-13 from the floor, but helped the Trailblazers with her rebounding and defense.  Her effort led to the Trailblazers holding a 46-37 edge off the glass.

Courtney Pingelski came off the bench to score 9 points for MCLA, while Courtney Durivage made some key plays in the fourth quarter.  She would finish with just 4 points, however she snagged 6 boards, including 4 in the fourth quarter alone.  Robinson would end the game with 8 points and 4 assists.  The Trailblazers assisted on 18 of 24 made field goals.

The Vikings placed three players in double figures led by Tahira Peralta's 12 points.  Peralta was held to just three points in the second half.  Kate Lipka added 11 points, while leading scorer Kaitlyn Bryan ended with a hard earned 10 points and 9 rebounds.  Bryan added a game high 5 steals.

Both teams slowed in the closing half of play as the Trailblazers shot just 27% over the final twenty minutes while the Vikings connected on just 38%.  Salem committed 21 turnovers compared to 16 for MCLA.

The Trailblazers will advance to face the Owls Thursday at 7pm after Westfield swept the season series from the Trailblazers.