Newton, MA—Freshman Danielle Autencio (Monteville, CT) scored a game high 25 points as the Lasers lost by 11 to the Golden Bears of Western New England Tuesday night in Newton, MA. Auntencio also grabbed 10 total rebounds giving her the only double double for the evening, her second of the season. Despite being down by 12 at the half, the Lasers fought back for a strong finish and outscored the visitors 34-33 in the second half.
Lasell came out strong, leading early in the first half, but the Golden Bears came back, and took control of the game offensively. The Golden Bears were carried in the first half by the sharpshooting of forward Sarah Proper and reserve guard Ali Pessolano who combined to score 21 of the team's 38 first half points as WNE took a 12 point lead into the half.
The Lasers fought back in the second half, cutting the lead to three late in the game, but in the end, the Golden Bears made key free throws and held on for the win. Both teams tallied 39 rebounds, but Western New England edged the Lasers in shooting, going 44.8% from the floor and 60% from the line. Lasell managed just 50% from the line and 41% from the floor.
Four Golden Bears scored double digits for the visitors tonight. Leading Western New England was Proper with 15 points and seven rebounds. Pessolano added 14 points and Shelby Van Huysen and Justine King each contributed 11.
Along with Autencio's impresive showing, the Lasers were also led by strong defensive efforts by junior guard Ashley Slattery (Weymouth, MA) and sophomore Kayla Vincelette (Westport, MA). Senior captain JoAnna Bishop (South Burlington, VT) and junior guard Ashley Fry (South Kingston, RI) also each contributed eight points in the loss.
The Lasers now, 0-4, will not be back in action until after the Thanksgiving break when they host Trinity College on November 29th at 6 p.m. Next up for WNE is conference opponent Gordon College, who they will face on the road on November 30th at 6:00 p.m.
