22-2 First Half Run Lifts Women's Basketball to 62-42 Win over Westfield

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – The Bridgewater State University women's basketball team remained unbeaten in MASCAC play as the Bears downed the Owls of Westfield State University, 62-42, on Saturday afternoon at the Tinsley Center.

The Bears improve to 9-5 on the season and 3-0 in the MASCAC, while the visiting Owls slip to 8-8 overall and 1-2 in conference play.

Senior forward Shelly DePina (New Bedford, Mass.) registered a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds to pace the hosts.  DePina also posted three steals.  Junior forward Michaela Cosby (Walpole, Mass.) added 15 points, five boards and three thefts, while sophomore forward Megan Boutilette (Charlton, Mass.) notched a double-double with 12 points and 11 caroms to go along with three assists, three blocks and a five steals. Boutilette connected on 6 of 8 field goal attempts.

Trailing 18-17 in the first half, the Bears outscored the Owls 22-2 over the final 7 ½ minutes to take control of the game.  Cosby scored ten of her 15 points during the run.  Bridgewater got up by as many as 26 points (62-36) in the final stanza before settling for the 62-42 win.

The Bears shot 44% (27-62) from the floor and limited the Owls to just 22% (13-58) shooting.  Bridgewater also forced 20 turnovers which led to 13 points thanks in part to 13 steals.

Freshman guard Jen Ashton (Beverly, Mass.) led the way for Westfield with nine points, eight rebounds and four steals.  Senior guard Janae Jones (Springfield, Mass.) added eight points and five steals.

In upcoming action, Bridgewater travels to Worcester State University next Thursday for a 6:00 PM MASCAC game with the Lancers.  Westfield heads to conference rival MCLA on Tuesday evening to take on the Trailblazers at 5:30.