USJ Outlasts Blazers In Non-Conference Tilt

CHICOPEE, Mass. – The Elms College women's basketball team came up short against Saint Joseph (CT) on Thursday night, falling to the Bluejays 59-52 in non-conference action.

Elms capped a momentous third quarter with a half-court buzzer-beater from senior Mackenzie LaRochelle (Chicopee, Mass.) which left the Blazers leading 43-42 heading into the fourth. Elms (9-15) out-scored USJ 20-12 in the third quarter to erase a deficit that swelled to as many as 14 in the second quarter.

The lead changed hands three times early in the fourth before USJ (9-15) used a 6-0 spurt to pull ahead 51-45. The Blazers got back within four at 53-49, but never regained the lead.

Freshman Angelica Peguero-Flores (Springfield, Mass.) stuffed the stat sheet, finishing with team-highs of 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists and six blocks for Elms. LaRochelle finished with 13 points, eight boards, four assists and three steals. Freshman Regina LeBlanc (Enfield, Conn.) added six points, eight rebounds and two assists for Elms.

USJ was led by Kayla Guest, who finished with 24 points and 14 rebounds. Eight of her 14 boards came on the offensive end, and she also collected four steals before fouling out. Rajeen Mayo added 13 points and five assists for the Bluejays.

The Blazers shot 31 percent from the field for the game and held a 46-40 rebounding advantage. 26 turnovers, however, proved costly. USJ shot 36 percent from the field.

Elms will be at home for the regular-season finale on Feb. 17, hosting Southern Vermont College at 1:00 p.m.