Posted: Feb 10, 2018
Westfield, Ma-Lucy Barrett (Williamstown, Mass) led the way with 17 points for the Owls as Westfield State University topped Salem State,100-74 in a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference women's basketball game Saturday afternoon at the Woodward Center.
With the win, combined with Worcester State's loss today, the Owls clinch the top seed in the upcoming MASCAC tournament, and at least a share of the conference's regular-season title for the fifth consecutive year
Salem State ran out to an early 11-4 lead, but the Owls went on a 9-2 run to tie the game at 13-all on a Keri Paton layup with 4:42 to play in the opening quarter.
Westfield (15-7, 9-1 MASCAC) turned up he defensive pressure in the second quarter, outscoring the Vikings 25-6 in the frame, and forcing 15 Salem turnovers in the second quarter alone. Westfield led 45-29 at the half behind 13 points from Rebecca Sapouckey (Granby HS/Chicopee, Mass.).
The Owls took full control in the second half. The Owls used a 17-5 run towards late in the third quarter to stretch the lead. Barrett ended the third quarter with a deep three pointer just before the buzzer to give the Owls an emphatic 75-52 lead after three.
Barrett finished 7-16 from the field and shot 3-8 from the three point line and added three steals. Rebecca Sapouckey (Granby/Chicopee, Mass) went 7-11 from the field to net15. She and added eight rebounds, and four steals. Allison Hester (Sutton, Mass) added 11 points off the bench for the Owls to go along with two assists and three steals, while Chelsea Moussette (Hampshire/Southampton, Mass.) dished out six assists.
Senior guard Norma Waggett (Saugus, Mass) led the effort for the Vikings as she posted a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds. She shot 11-20 from the field. Junior forward Kia Fernandes (Wareham, Mass) was Salem State's second-leading scorer as she put up 17 points with four assists.
The Owls defense caused 40 turnovers and tallied a total of 21 steals.
Westfield State University's next game is Wednesday, February 14th, against Fitchburg State at 5:30 PM in Westfield, which will be the Owls' senior night, as well as the Varsity Athlete 3.0 reception.
Salem State plays MCLA on Wednesday, February 14th, at 5:30 PM in Salem, Ma.
-- written by Michael Witts, sports information intern