WBB: Lasers Lose To Tough Opponent in OT

Willimantic, CT - The Lasell Women's Basketball team dropped their season opening game to Eastern Connecticut on Wednesday by a final score of 80-72 in overtime. It was a good showing for the Lasers, as they took on the Warriors, who went 22-6 last season, including an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Lasers did this without two of their returning starters in Juju Nealy and Jasmine DePina, both sitting due to injuries. This marked the first match up between the two programs.

It was back and forth in the first quarter, with neither team taking more than a three point lead. The Warriors would head into the second with a 16-13 lead. Shirle Major and Laura Johnson combined for nine of those Lasers points.

The Lasers came out shooting in the second quarter, scoring nine straight points on a trio of three pointers, one from Brooke Damboise and two from Kiara Cerruti. That gave the Lasers a 22-18 lead early in the quarter. They would carry a 34-33 lead into halftime. Cerruti scored 15 points in the second quarter.

An 8-0 run out of half gave the Warriors control, but the Lasers kept it close. A Shirle Major three pointer with just second left in the third made it 53-47 Warriors going into the fourth. The Lasers would open the quarter on a 6-0 run to make it a one point game, and the back and forth action would continue the rest of the way, with both teams holding leads. With things tied at 68 with just 15 seconds remaining in the game, the Lasers missed two free throws that would have put them ahead. The Warriors had two opportunities on the following possession to win it, but were unable to cash in, sending the game to overtime.

The two teams traded made jumpshots in the first 30 seconds of overtime, and would be tied at 72 with two minutes remaining. But the Warriors would end the game on an 8-0 run to take home the win.

The Lasers were led by Shirle Major, who scored 21 points for the Lasers. Right behind her was Kiara Cerruti, who scored 20 points off the bench on the same day she was named to the First Team All-GNAC in Cross Country. She showed off her endurance by playing 38 minutes, and also grabbing seven rebounds.

Also scoring in double-digits was Laura Johnson, with 10. Johnson recorded her second career double-double by grabbing a career high 15 rebounds, including six offensive rebounds.

Up Next - The Lasers will return home for their home opener on Saturday at 2pm when they take on MCLA.