NORTH ADAMS, Mass. -- MCLA's Hannah Mazzeo recorded a double double of 13 points and 15 rebounds as the Trailblazer women's basketball team held off a charging Cobleskill team 53-52 Wednesday in non conference action.

 

Neither team could muster up much offense in the opening half of play, but MCLA held a slim 23-22 halftime advantage. MCLA (1-1) increased the margin to 41-36 after three quarters of play as Emily Burke canned a three and DiAsia Smith converted a layup at the horn.

 

The fourth quarter quickly saw Cobleskill (1-1) rally behind Anna Post.  She scored 10 straight points for the Tigers to take the lead at 47-46 with 6:22 left to play. MCLA would regain the lead quickly on a pair of Kylah Langston free throws. After the MCLA defense held Cobleskill without a point for the next five minutes, they would increase the lead to 53-47 with just 53 seconds left to play. After a Cobleskill timeout, Nylasia Sutton drilled a triple to slice the margin to 53-50.  

 

MCLA missed a pair of free throws giving Cobleskill a chance and when Sutton drove the lane and converted, it was just 53-53 in favor of MCLA with under 35 seconds to play. The Trailblazers held possession but missed a pair of shots giving the ball back to Cobleskill. The Fighting Tigers had a few chances late, but could not get off a quality shot and MCLA held on for the win.

 

Mazzeo led all scorers with her 13 points. She did her damage on the offensive glass with 11 rebounds off Trailblazer misses. Langston scored nine points for the Trailblazers.

 

Cobleskill's Post ended with 13 points and pulled down 8 rebounds to lead the Tigers. Sutton ended with 12 points and five rebounds.

 

Each team was effective off the offensive glass as Cobleskill had 24 offensive rebounds while MCLA ended with 23. The Trailblazers overcame a 28 percent shooting night and 18 turnovers in the win.

 

MCLA is back in action on Saturday when it heads to Williams to challenge the Ephs.