Hot First Half Carries WBB Past Lesley

NEW LONDON, Conn. – Mitchell College shot over 50 percent in the first half as it secured the regular season sweep of Lesley University with a 78-44 victory this afternoon in New England Collegiate Conference women's basketball action at the Yarnall Athletic Center.

The win is Mariners sixth in their last seven games as they improved to 10-12 overall and 10-6 in the NECC. The Lynx fell to 1-20 overall and 1-13 in the conference. 

The Mariners had three players finish in double figures led by sophomore Jessica Shepherd, who recorded a game-high 19 points. Shepherd was extremely efficient on the afternoon, shooting 6-of-7 from the floor while going 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. Freshman Ashleigh Beauford and sophomore Samantha Ryan came off the bench to combine for 24 points and 12 rebounds while junior Diamond Thomas added four points and a game-high five assists. 

Lesley junior Ari Dimou led the Lynx attack as she went a perfect 3-of-3 from three-point range on her way to a team-best 16 points. Sophomore Emily Meade scored seven points and pulled down a game-high eight boards while senior Anthea Rathjens chipped in with five points and four steals. Junior Jackie Ewing finished with nine points for the guests. 

The Mariners led wire-to-wire as they scored the game's first 10 points. Shepherd led the charge with three triples over the first four minutes of play. The hosts kept their foot on the gas throughout the opening 20 minutes as they rolled into the break with a 40-22 edge. 

Mitchell held a distinct 42-30 advnatage on the glass and turned 14 Lynx giveaways into 14 points. The Mariners also got some key contributions from their reserves as their bench outscored Lesley's by a 32-3 margin. Beauford's 13 points were her most of the season and her second double-digit game of the week.

The Mariners will play host to Newbury College on Tuesday, February 17 at 7:30 p.m. The game will be the second part of a "Whiteout" doubleheader. The first 200 Mitchell students will receive a free t-shirt, and the night will feature food, contests and prizes.