Wheelock Outlasts Women's Basketball

Kaleigh Anderson (@KaleighAnd1)

BOSTON, Mass. – The Elms College women's basketball squad fell to rival Wheelock College, 60-55, in a New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) tip Thursday evening at Winsor Court. With the loss, Elms drops to 14-10 overall and 12-5 in conference action, while Wheelock climbs to a 13-11 overall with an 11-6 standing in the NECC.

The Blazers took charge in the first scoring the first tally of the contest off the hands of freshman Molly Moulton (North Adams, Mass.). From there, Wheelock struck back tallying a layup off the glass produced by senior Brianna Hochwarter (Attleboro, Mass.) to get the ball rolling. The Wildcats continued on a 15-6 run headed by senior Michelle Wood's (Wilmington, Mass.) six tallies. Elms fought back with a senior Alexandra Marques (Newington, Conn.) production inside the paint in an attempt to cut the deficit sending Elms into the second trailing 16-8.

Woods opened the second with a three-point blast from the outside to continue the push for Wheelock. Freshman Samantha Lynes (Berlin, Conn.) replied with a three-point tally to keep the Blazers in the running. However, Wheelock continued to widen the margin with Hochwarter posting four points off of a three point attack and a score at the stripe to create a 23-11 scoreboard. Senior Emily Burr (East Hartford, Conn.) took charge for Elms totaling six points and a momentum changing steal in the quarter alongside by junior Mackenzie LaRochelle's (Chicopee, Mass.) six point run of her own, in turn sending Elms into the locker room owning a 28-26 scoreboard.

Wheelock once again started off strong during the opening minutes of action with Woods going 2-for-2 at the line. Marques found the glass at the 8:31 tally to keep the Blazers within one possession, she then connected once more to keep the advantage intact. Woods came up huge for Wheelock netting yet another three point tally at the 6:36 mark to which LaRochelle responded with a jumper of her own. The Blazers were able to keep the lead strong until the 3:14 time slot where a Hochwarter three rang loud producing a tied scoreboard. From there, Wheelock carried the advantage with them into the fourth quarter of action.

The Wildcats outscored the Blazers 13-10 in the fourth as they totaled 5-of-15 from the floor. LaRochelle led Elms totaling six points in the effort. The quarter started off slow with both squads unable to produce until 6:37 when sophomore Katie Walsh (East Islip, N.Y.) connected from the inside for Wheelock. The Wildcats were able to carry this momentum with them for the remainder of the quarter despite Blazer efforts to walk away with the 60-55 victory.

The Blazers were led by a double-doubles from Burr, LaRochelle, and Marques. Burr recorded 16 points with 11 rebounds and five assists, while LaRochelle netted 16 points with 10 rebounds, and Marques totaled 15 points with 11 rebounds in the loss.

Wheelock was paced by game high scorer Woods who totaled 24 points, six rebounds, and six steals. Hochwarter captured 17 points in the victory.

The Blazers edged the Wildcats in rebounds (54-40) during the contest, as well as assists (9-8). Elms connected on 38.5% (25-65) from the field and 26.7% (4-15) from the free throw line. Wheelock shot 32.3% (20-62) from the floor and 66.7% (14-21) from the free throw stripe.

The Blazers will face off against Bay Path for senior day action Saturday February 18^th for a 1:00p.m. start time. Wheelock will venture to Newbury for a 1:00p.m. start time Saturday February 18^th as well.

ELMS BASKETBALL