Led by the guard duo of Lucy Barrett (Williamstown, Mass.) and Melissa Gray (Peabody, Mass.), the Westfield State University Owls race by the Pine Manor College Gators at the Emmanuel College Tip-Off Classic on Saturday, November 17th on the Andy Yosinoff Court and will play Emmanuel College in the Championship game on Sunday afternoon.
The starting five of the Owls pushed the pace quickly in the first three minutes of the quarter, jumping ahead of the Gators with a quick 10-0 run before the streak was broken by Arielle Harrell's (Millbury, Mass.) layup. Westfield continued their face paced offense, with Melissa Gray (Peabody, Mass.) connecting on two three-pointers and two field goals to collect ten points in the quarter, closing out the first for the Owls, 37-11. Westfield forced 19 turnovers while committing just one in the opening quarter.
The second quarter was unlike the first, with the Gators outscoring the Owls 16-14 as Oceane Tabbak (Norwood, Mass.) went 2-3 to score four points, closing out the half behind the Owls 51-27
The Owls picked up their defensive front in the third period, only allowing the Gators to score nine in the quarter, while Lucy Barrett (Williamstown, Mass.) of the Owls connected on two three-pointers and a field goal to collect eight points of her own in the quarter to helo Westfield boost the lead to 74-36.
Gray led the way for the Owls, scoring a game high 17 points, along with a rebound, three assists and four steals. Barrett and Madison Guttierrez (Holyoke, Mass.) recorded double digits in the points column, combining for 25 points.
Aleah Lauti (Millbrae, Calif.) of the Gators recorded a double-double with 12 points, 17 rebounds, three steals and a block.
Westfield State University will face the Emmanuel College Saints at 3PM tomorrow in the Emmanuel College Tip-Off Classic Championship game on the Andy Yosinoff Court.
Pine Manor will face Gallaudet University at 1PM tomorrow as well in the consolation game of the Classic.
-- story courtesy Emmanuel Sports Info