January 26, 2010

Fitchburg State Upends Westfield State, 67-56

Goreham collects sixth double-double to lead Falcons to third conference victory

WESTFIELD, Mass. (January 26, 2010) - The Fitchburg State women's basketball team collected its ninth victory of the season as it defeated Westfield State College, 67-56 in MASCAC action this evening.

REBECCA GOREHAM

Sophomore Rebecca Goreham (Quincy, Mass./North Quincy) registered her sixth double-double of the season to lead four Fitchburg State scorers in double digits. The second-year forward posted a 12 point, 12 rebound effort, shooting 4-of-12 from the field and a perfect 4-for-4 from the charity stripe. Junior Melissa Proffitt (Hubbardston, Mass./Quabbin Regional) was also strong with team-high 13 points and four rebounds, while juniors Molly Maloney (Taunton, Mass./Taunton) and Kelley Rogers (Lowell, Mass./Lowell) added ten points apiece.

After a deadlock first half which witnessed a 30-30 score at the break, Westfield State jumped out to an early second half lead, using a 7-0 run midway through the frame to grab 45-37 lead. Fitchburg State responded immediately as senior Kari Averill (Barre, Vt./Spaulding) sparked an 11-0 run to put the Falcons on top for good, 48-45 at the 9:01 mark.

Fitchburg State continued to score in the paint, posting 16 points in the post and scoring nine points off turnovers, while the Falcons were also dominant on defense, holding the Owls to only 11 points in the game's final 13 minutes.

Westfield State's Ashley Finnegan (Worcester, Mass./Holy Name) led all scorers with 18 points, shooting a game-best 8-of-13 from the field to go with eight rebounds. Sophomore Cassy Jouannet (Conway, Mass./Frontier Regional) chipped in with ten points and three boards, while Christal Bello (West Boylston, Mass./West Boylston) added nine points off the bench.

Fitchburg State (9-9, 3-3 MASCAC) will be back in action on Saturday as it travels to Framingham State at 1 p.m. Westfield State (7-11, 1-5 MASCAC) will visit Bridgewater State on Saturday at 1 p.m.

CLICK HERE FOR BOX SCORE & PLAY-BY-PLAY

Fitchburg State 67, Westfield State 56

Team

1

2

F

Fitchburg State (9-9, 3-3 MASCAC)

30

37

67

Westfield St. (7-11, 1-5 MASCAC)

30

26

56