WBB: Lasers Fall to USJ in GNAC Matchup

West Hartford, CT- The Lasell University women's basketball team traveled to play their second GNAC matchup of the season against the University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) but eventually fell late in the fourth quarter.

Lasell set the tone defensively in a gritty, low-scoring first quarter, forcing turnovers and contesting nearly every look to keep USJ from finding an early rhythm. Laura Johnson was a steady presence in the paint, contributing a layup, multiple rebounds, and a key block, while Hailey Johnson added a jumper to help stabilize the offense. With both teams struggling to convert consistently, Lasell's defensive pressure and work on the glass kept the contest tight, as the Lasers headed into the second quarter trailing just 13–11.

After another measured start in the second, the Lasers found their footing behind balanced scoring and relentless rebounding to remain within striking distance. Blaize Mack jump-started the offense with a strong finish at the rim and a pull-up jumper, while Hailey Johnson connected on multiple mid-range looks and generated second-chance opportunities with her activity on the boards. Laura Johnson continued to anchor the defense, piling up rebounds, forcing turnovers, and finishing inside late in the quarter. Despite a brief stretch of miscues, Lasell carried momentum into the break while trailing 28–23.

The third quarter turned physical, but Lasell matched the intensity with hustle plays and continued rebounding to keep the margin in single digits. Hailey Johnson sparked the offense with a pair of jumpers and a free throw, while Laura Johnson remained dominant on the glass, extending possessions and adding a point at the line. Erica Lendall drilled a timely three-pointer to halt a Blue Jays run, but turnovers and missed chances down the stretch prevented the Lasers from fully closing the gap, as they entered the final quarter down 40–35.

Lasell made a strong push in the fourth quarter, using timely shooting and defensive stops to seize momentum in a tightly contested game. Teagan Clancy delivered a spark off the bench, knocking down two clutch three-pointers off assists from Blaize Mack to swing the lead, while Laura Johnson continued to dominate the interior with key rebounds, a mid-range jumper, and a trip to the free-throw line. Mack added a steal and a jumper during a critical stretch as the Lasers briefly took control, but foul trouble and turnovers in the closing minutes slowed the surge. Despite multiple chances generated by offensive rebounds and defensive pressure, Lasell was unable to fully capitalize down the stretch as the quarter remained back-and-forth until the final horn. The Lasers took their first GNAC loss 58-50.

Up Next- The Lasers will continue GNAC play with a matchup against Rivier on Saturday January 17th.