Newton, MA - The Lasell Lasers defeated the NEC Pilgrims on Saturday by a final score of 69-57. The Lasers are now 7-6 on the season, and 2-2 in GNAC play. With the win, the Lasers surpassed their win total from last year.

A back and forth first quarter that saw neither team take a larger lead than thee, ended with the Lasers up 15-12. They then used a dominating second quarter to grab control. A 17-1 run spanning seven minutes gave the Lasers a commanding lead, and they led 33-19 at the break.

The Pilgrims did not go away easily though, as they outscored the Lasers 27-12 in the third, sending the game to the fourth with the Lasers trailing 46-45. Despite giving up the big lead, the Lasers were not discouraged, and tied things up at 50 three minutes into the final quarter. An 11-2 run over the next four minutes gave the Lasers a nine point lead, one that they would not give up, ultimately winning 69-57.

The game was long gruelling one, as the teams combined for 51 turnovers, with the Pilgrims committing 33 of them. The two teams also combined for 47 fouls.

Kiara Cerruti led the way for the Lasers with 16 points. She also grabbed five rebounds. Shirle Major was right behind her with 14 points, while Laura Johnson had 13. Johnson also grabbed 10 rebounds, giving her a double-double. It was her sixth straight game with double-digit rebounds, tying the school record which she set earlier this season. She has grabbed double-digit rebounds in 12 of the Lasers' 13 games this season. Johnson also added six steals. Jasmine DePina also made her presence known on the boards, grabbing nine rebounds, with six on the offensive end. Brooke Damboise led the team with five assists.

Up Next - The Lasers will take on Dean on the road on Tuesday at 5pm.