SPRINGFIELD, Mass., February 3, 2007 – Springfield College sophomore center Lauren O’Connor (Valhalla, N.Y.) led all players with 21 points on a sizzling 10-for-12 shooting performance from the floor as the Pride powered past Wellesley College, 74-54, this afternoon in New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) action at Blake Arena. The win marks SC’s fifth in the past six games.

Pride junior tri-captain Christine Cotter (Stoughton, Mass.) also had a solid shooting day, netting seven of her 12 field goal attempts for 16 points. As a team, SC shot an even 50 percent (33-66) from the floor. Cotter also racked up a game-high five assists and five steals. Junior guard Tara McCarthy (Bristol, R.I.) corralled a career-best nine rebounds, hitting the offensive glass for five boards in her 30 minutes of action to go along with eight points.

Wellesley College (4-15, 1-8 NEWMAC) sophomore center Julia Thomas connected on eight of her nine field goal attempts to pace the Blue with 16 points. Thomas was just one rebound shy of a double-double, grabbing nine caroms, seven of which came on the offensive end. Sophomore forward Jessica Duff scored 12 points and added eight rebounds, and freshman guard Kate Martore registered nine points, seven boards, four steals and two assists.

The Pride, winners of five of its past six games, improves to 10-10 overall on the season and 6-4 in conference games. With three remaining NEWMAC regular-season contests, SC still has its sights set on hosting a first round NEWMAC Tournament game. To do so, the Pride would have to leapfrog Mount Holyoke College, Clark University and Coast Guard, all of whom are currently tied for fourth in the league at 5-3, just one game ahead of SC.

The Pride will next play at cross-town rival Western New England College (WNEC) in a non-conference affair on Tuesday evening, February 6th, in a 5:30 p.m. start.

published: 02/03/2007