Lasers Outshoot Owls, 72-61

Westfield State shot just 26 percent from the floor, missing a whopping 67 shots in a 72-61 women's basketball loss at Lasell College on Wednesday evening.

The Lasers were led by 18 points from Abigail Duclos, and 13 points and 27 rebounds, one short of a Lasell single game record, from Laura Johnson.

Lasell improved to 4-0 on the season, while the Owls are 2-1.

Westfield trailed 18-9 at the end of the first quarter, a lead the Lasers extended to as many as 17 points early in the second quarter at 26-9, forcing a timeout from Westfield coach Andrea Bertini.

On the verge of getting blown out, the Owls scrapped their way back into the game with their patented pressure defense, rallying in the second quarter to trail just 37-33 at the half. 

Westfield finally grabbed a lead midway through the third quarter on a free throw from Tavi Williams, that she followed up with a layup when the Owls grabbed a steal on the next possession with Anaya Tolton feeding Williams for the layup and a 46-43 Owls lead.

Westfield's lead would be short-lived, as the shots would not fall all night.  Tied at 51-all entering the fourth quarter, Lasell went up 60-51 on Duclos' corner 3 with 6:39 to play.

A Kayley Downie right side three in transition cut the lead to 62-55, but the Owls could get no closer.

Westfield forced 45 turnovers, but were only able to turn them into 34 points.  The Owls committed 26 turnovers of their own that Lasell cashed in for 20 points.

The Lasers outrebounded the Owls 67-47 in the game.  Westfield finished 24-91 shooting from the floor and just 3-31 from three point range.The Owls woes continued from the foul line where they shot just 8-15.   The Lasers finished 30-72 (41.7 percent) from the floor.

Westfield was led by 12 points from Grace Wigington.  Alexa Davis added 11, and Mya Silveira netted 10 points with five rebounds, while Williams contributed 10 points, seven rebounds and four steals.

Westfield will return home to host the Westfield Gas and Electric Tip Off Tournament on Friday and Saturday.  The Owls face Utica College at 5:30 p.m. on Friday in the opening game, with Albright (Pa.) and Mitchell (Conn.) meeting in the second game at 7:30 p.m.

The winners play in the title game on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. with the consolation final tipping off at 12 noon Saturday.