WEST HARTFORD, CT - With the score tied 64-all and 3.9 seconds on the clock, Lasell's senior guard Shauna Kelly (Quincy, Mass.) was sent to the free throw line, knocking down the front end of two to secure a 65-64 win over the Blue Jays of Saint Joseph's College (Conn.). Kelly's timely free throw was all that the Lasers' needed to make away with their second GNAC victory of the season.
The first half saw four lead changes and a tie at 20 before the Blue Jays retained the lead for the final 7:44 in the half, though the Lasers did not allow them to build more than a seven point lead. First year forward JoAnna Bishop (So. Burlington, VT) hit a layup in the final ticks of the half to bring the game to a halt, at 32-27, Blue Jays ahead.
The first seven minutes of the second half remained in the Blue Jays advantage, however, the Lasers chipped away at the short lead. The first of six tie scores came at 12:57 in the second off a jump shot by Tricia Culver (North Hampton, Mass.). The Lasers then took their first lead of the half three minutes later, when Katie Farr (Rindge, NH) fired up a three pointer.
As the back and forth ensued, Saint Joseph's sophomore guard Nathalie Mastarreno (Glastonbury, Conn.) was called for back-to-back fouls with just 2:56 remaining. Farr nailed four crucial free throws, and the Lasers found themselves in a 58-57 advantage.
With 41 second on the clock, and the game tied once again at 62, Mastareeno dished to Ilaria Schiano (Wallingford, Conn.) who layed in the Blue Jay's go-ahead basket. After a Laser time-out, Kelly penetrated the lane, to tie the game for the final time.
Saint Joseph's held their possession, running the clock down as they attempted their final shot, which was unsuccessful. With under four seconds left, Mastrarreno's fifth foul sent Kelly to the free throw line to seal the game for Lasell.
Schiano led all scorers with 25 points, while Culver set pace for Lasell with 18 to go along with 7 boards and 2 steals. Kelly finished with 16 points and 13 grabs off the backboard and Farr recorded 14 points.
The Lasers (5-10 overall/ 2-1 GNAC) return home to face conference foes Emerson College on Tuesday, January 20th. The contest begins at 7:00 p.m.