NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Trailblazers women's basketball team withstood a furious rally by visiting Daniel Webster, holding on to defeat the Eagles 66-57 this evening in the season opener for both schools.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts was paced by a pair of career high's in Kaitlyn Chenevert's 24 points and Danielle Scolpino's 20 point effort. The Eagles were led by Vanessa Bosques game-high 33 points, including 22 after intermission.
The Trailblazers broke open a tight game midway through the first half as they sprinted out to a 36-20 halftime lead. MCLA used a 27-11 spurt over the final 12:27 to build the lead. The hosts were aided by 16 first half turnovers by the Eagles.
The second half was a different story as Bosques and teammate Ashley Giampetruzzi almost single handedly brought the Eagles back. Trailing 56-45 with only seven minutes remaining, Daniel Webster outscored MCLA 12-4 over the next several minutes to climb within a possession at 60-57 with 1:09 left following one of two from the line from Giampetruzzi.
MCLA used a Scolpino layup off a Chenevert assist to push to a five point lead with a minute remaining. A Bosques turnover led to another Scolpino lay-in, forcing an Eagles timeout. Daniel Webster committed a pair of turnovers on their final two possessions to close out the contest.
Chenevert collected her team-best 24 points on 10-18 shooting. She added six rebounds, five steals, and two assists on the night. Scolpino shot 7-13 from the floor, including a 4-8 showing from beyond the arc. Lucy Tremblay struggled from the field, but did finish with five steals and six assists.
Bosques was outstanding in defeat as she was 9-19 from the floor, but a solid 13-15 from the stripe for her 33 points. Giampetruzzi shot 7-16 en route to her 20 point effort and completed the double-double by adding a game-high 14 rebounds.
Daniel Webster committed a costly 26 turnovers on the night compared to 17 for MCLA.
The Trailblazers will look ahead to Becker College on Monday night at 5:30 p.m.
