WBB Opens Conference Play by Downing Lesley

NEW LONDON, Conn. – Junior Yasmine Santos (Pawtucket, R.I.) led the way with a 21 point, 12 rebound double-double, as the Mitchell College women's basketball team opened conference play on Saturday afternoon by routing Lesley University 92-45 at the Yarnall Athletic Center.

The 21 points matched a season-best for Santos, and she was one of five players who finished in double-figures for the Mariners, who led wire to wire, picking up their second consecutive victory. Amina Wiley (New Rochelle, N.Y.) scored 16 points on 6-10 shooting in just 12 minutes of game action, while Na'Jae White (Hartford, Conn.), Jamya Beddoe (New London, Conn.), and Tanai Williams (Harlem, N.Y.) each finished with 10 points. Williams added 10 rebounds for her first double-double of the season, and senior Sam McKenna (Millbrook, N.Y.) dished out a game-best seven assists.

The Lynx came out of the gate strong, playing the Mariners to a 7-7 score midway through the opening quarter. A layup by Santos then made it 9-7 and Mitchell did not look back, winning each quarter while watching the lead grow as to as much as 48 points.

The Mitchell defense held the Lynx to just 29.6% shooting, while the team finished with 53 rebounds and 27 assists. The Mariners also forced 27 turnovers and dominated in the paint, where they scored 50 of their 92 points.

Savannah Stowers came off the bench to pace Lesley with 13 points, and she was joined in double-figures by Sydnie Drezek, who scored 11. Alexandra Kerley had seven rebounds, as Lesley lost their second consecutive game.

The Mariners (8-8 overall, 1-0 NECC) will look stay undefeated in New England Collegiate Conference play when they host New England College on Thursday, January 19^th, at 5:00 pm. Lesley (4-11 overall, 0-1 NECC) return to the court on Monday, January 16^th, with a 2:00 pm matinee against Clark University.