THE MATCHUP: Mount Holyoke closes out its fall semester versus non-conference foe Worcester State University this evening (7:00 p.m.) at the Mildred S. Howard Gymnasium. After winning by a score of 70-58 in the first ever meeting between the programs in 2005, the Lyons have suffered five straight setbacks. Last year, they were edged 48-36 by the Lancers despite 14 points from guard Angelica Pascual. Mount Holyoke also received a boost from guard Christine Chancy, who finished with seven points and 12 rebounds. Center Meaghan O'Keefe posted a double-double on 12 points and 10 rebounds to set the tone for Worcester State. She was joined in double figures by guard Kaleigh Charette, who collected 10 points and eight boards. Game Program
THE LYONS: Mount Holyoke (1-7, 0-4 NEWMAC) has dropped five straight contests after topping Western New England University 66-53 in the consolation game of the Golden Bears Hoops Classic on November 20. Guards Angelica Pascual (9.9), Annabel Barrett (9.5) and Christine Chancy (9.4) have shouldered the scoring load in the early going while also combining for 28 assists. Mount Holyoke has also received solid production from rookie forwards Amber Legare and Nicole DeMarchena. Legare has posted 7.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, while DeMarchena has chipped in with 3.9 points and a team-best 7.3 boards per outing. DeMarchena's 10 blocks are good for tops on the squad. Fellow forward Tricia Chase has scored 5.2 points per game.
THE LANCERS: Worcester State (3-4, 0-0 MASCAC) has recorded consecutive wins over the University of Maine Presque Isle (68-40) and Trinity College (67-55) after starting the season with an overall record of 1-4. Guard Kaleigh Charette has set the tone for the Lancers with her steady play in the backcourt. In addition to posting 13.1 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, she has also collected 17 assists and 18 steals. Worcester State has also received solid production from guard Meaghan Burns, who has registered 11.4 points and 6.0 boards per outing. Meanwhile, center Meaghan O'Keefe tallied 13 points and nine boards in her season debut at Trinity last Tuesday. As a team, the Lancers have drained 24 shots from beyond the arc and have amassed 74 assists.
NEXT UP: Mount Holyoke will return to action on Monday, January 2 at Simmons College. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m. Meanwhile, Worcester State is scheduled to take part in the Hoop N Surf Tournament in Honolulu, Hawaii next week. After facing off against Spalding University on Sunday at 6:00 p.m., the Lancers will take on George Fox University on Tuesday at 9:00 p.m.
