WBB Uses Balanced Attack to Beat Fisher, Collect Sixth Consecutive Victory
NEW LONDON, Conn. -- Five players scored in double-figures for the Mitchell College women's basketball team on Tuesday night, as the Mariners extended their winning streak to six games following an 83-48 rout of Fisher College in non-conference action at the Yarnall Athletic Center. With the win, the Mariners improved their record to 15-9 and have their longest winning streak since the 2019-2020 season, when they also posted six straight victories.
Senior guard Dede Stevenson (Hartford, Conn.) led the home team with 15 points and 10 rebounds, both team-best figures, to go along with four assists. Sam McKenna (Millbrook, N.Y.) added 14 points, four rebounds, four steals, and three assists, and Na'Jae White (Hartford, Conn.) chipped in 13 points on 5-8 shooting.
Senior Jermia Dumas (Stratford, Conn.) nearly posted a double-double, tallying 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while Yasmine Santos (Pawtucket, R.I.) contributed 12 points and four rebounds for the Mariners, who shot 40.2% from the floor and led by as many as 35 points.
Fisher's Naomi Mares netted the first bucket of the game one minute into the action to put the Falcons ahead, but a layup by Dumas tied the score just seconds later. A three ball by Na'Jae White gave Mitchell their first lead of the game at the 6:54 mark in the opening quarter and the Mariners would not look back, building a 17-14 lead heading into the second frame. It was here where the Mariners really took off, outscoring Fisher 21-4 in the lead up to halftime to hold a 38-17 advantage at the break.
The Falcons battled back in the third, matching Mitchell to a 21-21 score. Naomi Mares and Madison Kelley combined to score all 21 of the points for Fisher in the frame, however a 24-10 Mitchell controlled fourth quarter was enough to seal the 35-point victory.
The Mariners dominated down low, outrebounding Fisher 46-27 and outscoring their opponent 42-20 in the paint. Mitchell also forced 31 turnovers, held the Falcons to under 40% shooting, and dished out 17 assists as a team.
Madison Kelley delivered a game-high 25 points on 11-20 shooting in the loss, while also grabbing nine boards. Mares joined her in double-figures with 19 points, however the duo combined for 19 turnovers.
Winners in 12 of their last 14 games, the Mariners (15-9 overall, 5-0 NECC) will return to action on Saturday, February 18th, when they host Eastern Nazarene College at 1:00 pm in their regular season finale. This will also be senior day for the Mitchell women's basketball team. Fisher (1-22) travels next to Me.-Fort Kent on Saturday, February 18th, for a game at 5:00 pm