WEST HARTFORD, Conn. –– The Lasers dropped a close GNAC (Great Northeast Athletic Conference) game, 57-52 on Saturday to the Blue Jays of USJ in West Hartford.  The women drop to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in conference play.

Dana Ross, had a big first quarter, scoring six points helping the visitors to a 12-8 first quarter lead. Two points, though from senior Kayla Guest (Newington, Conn.) and senior Rajeen Mayo (Middletown, Conn.) helped the Blue Jays stay close with the Lasers in the opening stanza.

The Blue Jays came back in the second quarter only allowing the Lasers to score only seven points as both teams entered the locker room at the half knotted at 19-all.

In the third quarter, USJ junior Diamond Wallen (Hartford, Conn.) drained six points and grabbed six rebounds for the Blue Jays.  The Lasers battled back and at the end of the third quarter, the women only trailed by one, 35-34.

The Blue Jays took the biggest lead of the afternoon in the fourth quarter, leading the Lasers 45-37.  The Lasers fought back though and with just four minutes to go in the game, they went on a 3-1 run to bring the game to within four points. The Blue Jays were able to hold on for the win though.

Brianna Hoffman (Milford, N.H.) led the Lasers in scoring, pouring in a team-high 12 points. Ross added 11 for the Lasers as the only two players to finish in double-figures for the visitors.  Lasell College held a slight 59-48 edge in total rebounds as Ross pulled down a game-high 15 to give her a double-double.

 Next up, the women will travel to Plymouth State on Tuesday for a 6:00 p.m. non-conference match up.