Newton, MA - The Lasell women's basketball team defeated Pine Manor College today 71-52, in a GNAC conference matchup at the Lasell Athletic Center.  The win improves the Lasers' record to 1-13 (1-3 GNAC).

Lasell had four players in double figures today, led by rookie Alexis Chappell (Springfield, MA) with a game high 19 points.  She also had 8 rebounds and 6 assists in the game.  Junior Kim Archibald (Lewiston, ME) scored 15 points, Freshmen Justine Ryan (Norwood, MA) and Danielle Autencio (Montville, CT) added 12 and 11 respectively for the Lasers.  Autencio also had a team high in rebounds with 9.

The Lasers traded baskets with Pine Manor for much of the first half.  Trailing 17-13 early in the half, the Lasers went on an 11-0 run, capped off by a three pointer by Chappell at the 9:54 mark.  Pine Manor's Tia Nelson (Rockport, MA) scored 9 first half points, all on three pointers, the last of which cut the Lasers' lead to 30-28 with 3:27 to play.  Lasell shot 45.2% from the field in the first half, compared to just 29.4% for the Gators.  The Lasers went into the break leading 35-30.

The second half started with Lasell going on an 11-2 run, capped by Chappell's layup at the 14:47 mark, increasing their lead to 46-32.  The two teams then traded baskets for much of the rest of the second half.  Tesla Castillo (Boston, MA) hit a jump shot at the 4:27 mark to cut the lead to 58-51, but that was as close as Pine Manor would get, as Lasell closed out the game on a 13-1 run, finishing off the Gators 71-52.    

Lasell shot an impressive 45.8% from the floor for the game, and they were able to hold the Gators to just 28.6%.  The Lasers also dominated on the glass, out-rebounding the Gators 47-36. 

The Gators were led by Paulette Wright (Baltimore, MD) who had 12 points and 6 rebounds.  Nelson finished with 9 points and Therline Dumeran (Cambridge, MA) also had 9 points and 9 rebounds in a losing effort.

With the loss Pine Manor falls to 5-6 overall and 0-3 in the GNAC. They will travel to Emerson College for a GNAC matchup on Monday at 1:00pm

The Lasers improve to 1-13 overall and 1-3 in the GNAC.  They will travel to Suffolk University for a GNAC matchup on Monday at 1:00pm.