Ladies win one, drop one on road

Following an on-the-road win against Salem State last Thursday, BSC's women's basketball team dropped a road game to Fitchburg State to fall into second place in MASCAC standings. The team stands at 10-8 overall and 5-1 in the MASCAC. "I think the first half killed us," said senior forward Catie Furtado. "We weren't playing together as a team and we just came out really flat."

After committing 17 turnovers in the first half, the Bears fell behind Fitchburg 24-34 at the half. Seven minutes into the second half, the Bears were behind, 47-30.

"Fitchburg's zone was tough on us," said Furtado. "We had trouble with it the whole game. Usually it's an advantage of ours to play a run-and-gun style of game. But, we just couldn't get it done."

At the 13:13 minute mark, the Bears went on a 21-5 run that made the score 52-51 with 3:40 to play. With a chance to score the go ahead basket, BSC turned the ball over on offense twice, then missed an easy lay-up and Fitchburg State closed the game with an 18-8 run.

"In the second half we finally came together," said Furtado. "But it was just too little, and too late for us."

Leading all scorers in the game was junior forward Colleen Feeney with 21 points. Junior guard Justine Farroba also chipped in with 11 points, 6 rebounds and an assist. The team also committed a season-high 30 turnovers in the game.

"We've always had a problem with how we start games," said Furtado. "I think we need to come out with more composure. It's just a matter of poise and confidence, and if we remember that we shouldn't turn the ball over that many times."

Down the stretch, they have been aided by Feeney. Since joining the team, she has led the team in average rebounds (9.9) and points per game (20.2).

"Colleen has been a godsend for us," said Furtado. "She's the exact post presence that this team has been missing. She's been averaging a double-double a game, and in playing only 9 games for us she's been a great teammate and a leader for us on the court."

The Bears take on Framingham (0-6 MASCAC record) and Westfield State (2-4 MASCAC record) this week. According to Furtado, thinks that this will be an easy week.

"Both teams aren't playing for much," said Furtado. "It's that point in the season where they aren't playing for much. We just need to go out there and play Bridgewater basketball. If we do that, then we should have no problem winning the next two games."

The team travels to Westfield State on Tuesday. After Westfield, the Lady Bears will be facing off against Framingham on Saturday at 1 p.m.