Owls Use Fourth Quarter Surge to Roll Past Worcester State 89-75 to Advance into Conference Semis

WESTFIELD, Mass. – Jordan Grant (Gray, Maine) delivered a game-high 22 points as Westfield State pulled away in the fourth quarter to defeat Worcester State 89-75 in a MASCAC quarterfinal game from the Woodward Center on Tuesday night.

With the win, the Owls advance to the semifinals, where they will face top-seeded Bridgewater State on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. in Bridgewater.

The Owls took control late, riding a massive fourth-quarter effort from Maddie Pond (Holyoke, Mass.), who poured in 14 of her 20 points in the final frame to propel Westfield State to victory. The game remained tight through three quarters, but Westfield's ability to make key plays down the stretch proved to be the difference. The Owls' three seniors led the charge, with Grant's 22 points, Pond's 20, and Olivia Hadla (Westfield, Mass.) adding 17. The trio combined for 59 of Westfield's 89 points, showcasing their leadership and experience in a high-pressure postseason battle.

Kayley Downie (Easthampton, Mass.) also played a crucial role, knocking down three three-pointers to provide a perimeter spark. Morgan Berthiaume (Webster, Mass.) led the effort on the glass with eight rebounds, while Pond added five steals on the defensive end. Tavi Williams (Springfield, Mass.) contributed valuable minutes with six points and three steals, helping disrupt Worcester's offense and generate transition opportunities.

Despite the loss, Worcester State put forth an impressive effort, playing a well-coached and physical game that kept them in contention until the final minutes. Mia Haynes (Worcester, Mass.) was dominant inside, scoring 20 points on 10-of-14 shooting while pulling down six rebounds. Katie Hurynowicz (Tyngsboro, Mass.) posted a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds, knocking down 8-of-10 free throws while also adding five blocks on the defensive end to keep Worcester within striking distance. Lena Waldron (Quincy, Mass.) also finished with a double-double, adding 15 points and 10 rebounds, and three blocks of her own as the Lancers controlled the glass, outrebounding Westfield State 54-44, including 17 offensive boards.

The game was a back-and-forth battle for most of the night, with Worcester jumping out to an early lead behind Haynes' hot start. Westfield responded with an offensive surge in the second quarter, fueled by their transition game and three-point shooting. Hadla connected on a pair of threes to spark a run, while Grant asserted herself in the post, scoring through contact and getting to the free-throw line. At halftime, the Owls led 52-44, setting the stage for a tense second half.

Worcester controlled much of the third quarter, using their size advantage to crash the boards and create second-chance opportunities. Hurynowicz and Waldron dominated the interior, forcing Westfield to adjust defensively. A late push from the Lancers saw them cut the deficit to just three, as the score was 65-62 going into the final quarter.

A Haynes baseline jumper at the 7:51 mark of the fourth quarter gave the Lancers a 68-67 lead before Westfield responded with a relentless fourth-quarter attack, spearheaded by Pond's 14-point outburst. She knocked down a clutch three to tie the game early in the quarter and followed it up with a series of aggressive drives to the basket. Grant continued to be a force in the paint, while Hadla's steady ball-handling and scoring touch helped keep the Owls in control. Worcester continued to fight, with Haynes and Hurynowicz making key baskets to keep the pressure on, but Westfield's experience and shot-making ability proved too much to overcome in the final minutes.

The Owls will look to carry their momentum into Thursday's matchup, while Bridgewater aims to defend its home court and advance to the championship game. Fans can follow the action through live scoring and streaming at WestfieldStateOwls.com.

Written by Tom Onorato – Sports Information Intern