Strong first half lifts MCLA past Becker 56-47

North Adams, MA- The MCLA women's basketball team built a large first half lead but then had to hold off hard charging Becker College as the Trailblazers ultimately defeated the Hawks 56-47 in non conference action at the Amsler Campus Center Gym.  With the win, MCLA is now 2-1 on the season while Becker is still searching for their first win at 0-4.

MCLA led 22-4 after the first quarter and cruised into halftime with a 39-12 lead as they forced 19 first half turnovers.  Becker would play much better in the third quarter, but ultimately MCLA still held a 50-24 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

When MCLA's Karina Mattera scored with 7:29 left to play it was 52-24 and seemed all but over.  Becker would go on a 14-0 run sparked by Cassidy Harrison as she drained a trio of three pointers to slice the lead to just 52-38 with three minutes left.  Trailblazer Samanthan Gawron would silence the run with a triple of her own on the next possession, however Becker kept cutting into the lead. 

When Harrison hit another three pointer and scored back to back layups off Trailblazer turnovers, suddenly it was 56-47.  From there, Becker was forced to foul and the home team would run out the clock and eventually collect the win.

The game was sloppy as it featured 57 turnovers, 30 of which were committed by MCLA, including 17 in the second half.

MCLA was paced by Courtney McLaughlin's 14 point effort.  Kayla Hotaling collected a double double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, while Karina Mattera came off the bench to score 11 points.  

The Hawks Harrison led all scorers with 25 points, including 18 after halftime.  She drained five three pointers on the night.  She was the only Becker player in double figures.

Becker shot just 30% from the floor in the contest while MCLA checked in at 48%.

The Trailblazers resume the homestand on Saturday when they welcome Curry College into the Campus Center at 1pm.