SPRINGFIELD, Mass., November 28, 2006 – Springfield College junior guard Tara McCarthy (Bristol, R.I.) scored a season-high 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting from the field and a perfect 3-for-3 shooting from three-point range as the Pride defeated non-conference foe, Western Connecticut State University (WCSU), 76-65, in action this evening at Blake Arena.

McCarthy led the way in the opening half for SC, netting 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting as the Pride led, 38-30, at the break. For the game, the junior guard also chipped in with a team-best four assists to go along with two rebounds and one block as SC handed the Colonials their first loss of the season.

Sophomore center Lauren O’Connor (Valhalla, N.Y.) recorded her fourth straight double-double in the victory, adding 21 points and 11 rebounds as the Pride improved to 2-2 on the young season. O’Connor went 11-for-14 from the free throw line to help preserve the win. The 21 points for the sophomore center tied a career high.

Western Connecticut (3-1) was led by freshman forward Katie Moffo (Southington, Conn.) with double-double numbers of 17 points and 10 rebounds despite the loss. Juniors Ally Greenwood (East Hartford, Conn.) and Colleen Smith (Lebanon, Conn.) each chipped in with 12 points for the Colonials.

SC will next host the fifth annual Pioneer Valley Women's Hoop Classic on Friday and Saturday, December 1st and 2nd. The Pride hosts Amherst College on Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. in Blake Arena, and then Westfield State College on Saturday afternoon at 3:00 p.m.

published: 11/28/2006