SALEM, Mass. (11/22/14) - Justine Ryan (Norwood, Mass.) led Lasell College with 14 points in the Lasers' 53-36 win over the Terriers of Thomas College in the consolation game of the Salem State Tip-Off Tournament Saturday afternoon at the Twohig Gymnasium. Lasell College advances to 2-2 on the season while Thomas College remains winless at 0-3.
After a quick 4-0 by Thomas College, the Lasers broke out for a 12-0 run led by Sherilyn Small (Springfield, MA) who scored six points during that stretch to give Lasell College a 12-4 lead with 12:30 remaining. Ryan tallied 11 points in the half on 5-8 shooting including a fast break layup that gave the Lasers their largest lead of the half at 14 points. Despite being out rebounded 26-22, Lasell dominated in the paint scoring 14 points inside. Jordan Agger-Barnes (Wells, ME) added five points for the Terriers throughout the half and grabbed seven rebounds as Thomas College scored five second-chance points compared to the three scored by the Lasers. Small finished the first half with eight points that helped Lasell to a 24-12 half time lead.
After a scoreless first half, guard Katie Stopera (Hollis, N.H.) finally got on the board with a three-pointer, assisted by Ryan. Breeana Williams (Bloomfield, CT) also scored her first two buckets in back-to-back possessions for Lasell as they kept the Terriers scoreless for just under five minutes giving the Lasers a 39-19 advantage at 11:29. A Morgan Church (New London, NH) trey ball separated the Lasers by 25 points, the largest deficit Thomas faced all night. Olivia Brown (North Haven, ME) totaled 10 points for the Terriers while Agger-Barnes finished with 10 points and 14 rebounds in the 53-36 loss.
Small ended the contest with 12 points while Ryan led all scorers with 14 points. Lasers' guard Stopera was selected to the all-tournament team.
The Lasers' season continues when they travel to face the Bears of Western New England University on November 25th at 5:30 p.m. The Terriers resume action on November 25th as well when they take on the Mules of Colby College at 5:30 p.m.