McKenna's 36 Points Power WBB Over Anna Maria

NEW LONDON, Conn. -- Sam McKenna (Millbrook, N.Y.) poured in a career-high 36 points on Monday evening, powering the Mitchell College women's basketball team past Anna Maria College 89-68 in a non-conference game at the Yarnall Athletic Center.

McKenna, a senior guard, shot 13-25 from the floor including eight three pointers, as the Mariners won for the fifth time in their last six games and moved a season best two games over .500. Fellow senior Dede Stevenson (Hartford, Conn.) continued her stellar play of late, finishing with 17 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Additionally, Jermia Dumas (Stratford, Conn.) produced an 11 point, 12 rebound double-double off the bench, Yasmine Santos (Pawtucket, R.I.) added 10 points, and Amina Wiley (New Rochelle, N.Y.) grabbed 12 boards.

The AMCATS were able to grab an early advntage, going up 7-5 after three minutes on a three ball from Marinique Reddin. McKenna responded with a trey of her own, giving the Mariners a lead which they would carry for the remainder of the contest. Mitchell found themselves ahead by 10 after the first quarter and they then proceeded to blitz Anna Maria in the second frame, outscoring the visitors 27-12 on route to a 51-26 lead heading into halftime.

The Mariners, who shot 47.9% as a team, built the lead to as large as 34 points down the stretch and dominated on the glass, outrebounded the AMCATS 40-32. Mitchell also handed out 22 assists to just 11 by their opponent, forced 26 turnovers, and scored 34 fast break points.

Reddin paced the AMCATS, delivering a team high of 21 points. Gina Parmenter and Sophie Law scored 13 points apiece in the loss, the fifth in the last six games for Anna Maria.

The Mariners (11-9 overall, 3-0 NECC) will return to the court on SaturdaY, February 4^th, when they travel to New England College for a conference showdown. Anna Maria (4-13 overall, 2-8 GNAC) play at Regis College on Thursday, February 2^nd.