WBB Stays Undefeated in Conference with Rout of NEC

HENNIKER, N.H. – The Mitchell College women's basketball team won their third consecutive game on Saturday afternoon, blowing out New England College 84-56 in New England Collegiate Conference action at Bridges Gymnasium.

Senior Sam McKenna (Millbrook, N.Y.) exploded for a game-high 29 points, including six three-pointers, to go along with seven assists, five rebounds, and three steals. McKenna is now averaging 22.5 points over the Mariners last four games.

Yasmine Santos (Pawtucket, R.I.) finished with 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Dede Stevenson (Hartford, Conn.) and Amina Wiley (New Rochelle, N.Y.) each scored 10 points. Wiley, who was 5-5 from the floor, also added seven rebounds and four assists in the win.

A back and forth opening quarter saw the Mariners leading by just four points 10 minutes into the game. McKenna, who scored nine points in the first quarter, dropped eight more points in the second stanza, helping guide Mitchell to a 37-29 edge at the half.

The third quarter is where the Mariners pulled away, as they held the Pilgrims to just 10 points, while scoring 27. The Mariners forced 10 turnovers in game breaking third quarter, and went on to win the final quarter 20-17.

The Mariners shot 55.9% from the floor, 38.1% from long range, and 71.4% from the free throw line. Despite being outrebounded 36-32, the Mitchell defense forced 28 turnovers and held the Pilgrims to just 33.3% shooting. The Mariners also handed out seven more assists than the home team (22-15) and led by as many as 31 points down the stretch.

Kathleen Rodriguez came off the bench to lead New England College in scoring with 12 points, and Ericka Pratt also reached double figures with 10, while Juliana Hernandez had a team-best six rebounds.

Winners in nine of their last 11 games, the Mariners (12-9 overall, 4-0 NECC) will return to action on Tuesday, February 7^th, when they travel to Brookline, Massachusetts for a non-conference meeting with Fisher College. New England College (8-11 overall, 1-3 NECC) will look to bounce back on Tuesday, February 7^th, when they host Thomas (ME).