WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts women's basketball team suffered their first defeat of the young season, dropping a 65-31 decision at the hands of cross-town foe Williams College. The Ephs stay unblemished at 4-0 while MCLA falls to 2-1 overall.
The Ephs clamped down on the Trailblazers from the onset. After Williams jumped out to a 12-4 lead, MCLA got a bucket from Kaitlyn Chenevert and a three from Lucy Tremblay to close within two. Williams responded with a strong defensive effort, outscoring MCLA 21-4 over the next eleven minutes before settling for a commanding 37-16 lead at halftime. The Trailblazers were
held to just a pair of field goals over the final 12:33 of the half.
After MCLA scored the opening hoop of the second half, Williams once again went on a run scoring eight straight points to put the game out of reach. The lead grew to as much as 31 points at 57-26 before settling on the final score of 65-31.
Williams was led by Claire Baecher's game-high 17 points on 8-14 shooting. She added five rebounds and a pair of blocks. Ellen Cook was the only other Eph in double figures totaling 14 points and four assists. Danny Rainer collected nine rebounds for Williams.
MCLA's Chenevert was the only Trailblazers to score double digits, totaling 10 points. Johanna Miner added a team high 8 rebounds.
Williams held MCLA to just 22 percent shooting on the night (11-49) and the Trailblazers didn't help their cause by turning the ball over 23 times.
MCLA is back in action on Friday night when they will travel to Salisbury (Md.) to compete in the Salisbury tournament.
