Women’s Basketball suffers nonconference setback against Wheaton

Norton, MA- The MCLA Women's Basketball team was unable to keep pace with nonconference foe Wheaton College this evening as the Lyons used a dominant second quarter performance to cruise to a 71-34 victory. With the win Wheaton improves to 10-3 while MCLA falls to 3-9.

Having not played since December 10^th, the Trailblazers had some rust to shake off early in this one turning the ball over eight times in the first quarter. First year Hailey Peabody would keep the visitors within striking distance however scoring six first quarter points as Wheaton would take a 13-9 lead into the first break.

Peabody would score on the Trailblazers first possession of the second quarter to trim the lead to 13-11 but after that, it was all Wheaton. The Lyons would clamp down defensively forcing 12 second quarter turnovers (31 overall) to blow the game open as they would outscore MCLA 28-0 to end the half and take a 41-11 lead into the locker room.

The Trailblazers were unable find any offensive rhythm in the second half with Wheaton stretching the lead out to as many as 42 points on their way to a 71-34 win.

Wheaton's Kiki Walters, Kennis Jasperson and Catherine Penick would each finish with 11 points to lead the Lyons. MCLA's Hailey Peabody and classmate Zaylee Ramos would lead the Trailblazers with 13 points apiece.

Wheaton will travel to Clark University on Friday for its NEWMAC season opener against the Cougars. MCLA will kick off its conference schedule tomorrow night at 7pm as the Trailblazers host MASCAC rival Westfield State at the Amsler Campus Center.