WBB: Lasers Beat Chargers in Close Matchup

Newton, MA- The Lasell University women's basketball finished out their regular-season home games with a win against Colby-Sawyer College on Tuesday evening.

Lasell came out aggressive on both ends, using strong defensive pressure to create early opportunities. Abigail Duclos sparked the offense with a layup and later knocked down a three to tie the game at 21-21 midway through the quarter. Laura Johnson added a jumper and controlled the glass with multiple defensive rebounds, while Alexis Bulson-Cuozzo and Blaize Mack contributed key baskets to keep the game tight. The Lasers shared the ball well, with several early assists setting the tone in a competitive opening frame, but trailed 15-11 after the first.

The Lasers continued to battle, with Shirle Major heating up offensively. She buried a three-pointer and followed with a pull-up jumper to cut the deficit to four late in the half. Erica Lendall and Johnson controlled the boards, while Mack added a layup and a free throw to keep Lasell within striking distance. Strong defensive plays, including steals from Major and Johnson and a big block by Mack, helped shift momentum as Lasell closed the half up 36-32. 

Lasell used a strong defensive effort to spark momentum in the third quarter, with Major and Johnson controlling the glass early and Mack delivering a key block that led to a transition layup to cut the deficit to four. Duclos added a layup and later knocked down a clutch three-pointer off a feed from Daeserae Williamson, while Mack came up with a steal and finished through contact to make it a one-point game. Major tied it at 43-43 with an aggressive drive, and Johnson's offensive rebound and tip-in kept Lasell within striking distance as the Chargers battled back and headed into the fourth quarter in a tight contest with the Lasers up 53-49

The team closed out the fourth quarter with poise. Mack sparked the surge early with a layup and two free throws to extend the lead, while Johnson continued to control the glass and finish through contact for an and-one to make it 60–51. The Lasers kept attacking inside as Johnson and Mack continued to connect. Williamson hit another key basket to push the margin to double digits. Colby-Sawyer trimmed the deficit with second-chance points and late free throws, but Major buried a clutch three-pointer with 1:27 remaining to stretch the lead to seven. Down the stretch, Lasell came up with timely rebounds and defensive stops, and Mack added a late free throw to seal the 71–66 victory.

Up Next- The Lasers will finish their regular-season play on Saturday February 21 when they travel to Mitchell College.