Lesley overcomes first half struggles to beat Bay Path

02.07.2009

The Bay Path College Wildcats led for much of the first half over the number one team in the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC), Lesley University, but the Lesley Lynx were able to regain composure to defeat the visitors 64-40. Lesley improved to 10-9 (9-1 NECC) while Bay Path dropped to 3-17 (1-10 NECC).

Eleven first half points from NECC leading scorer Jessica Hunt of Madison, CT, helped the Wildcats to an early 17-14 advantage with 1:22 remaining in the period. Those would be the only points the junior would score as Hunt fouled out early in the second half to take away Bay Path’s biggest offensive threat.

Lesley would eventually take the lead in the final minute of the first half after Kaitlyn Wechsler of Merrick, NY, intercepted a cross-court pass and completed the fast-break layup to give the Lynx an 18-17 lead. The basket was part of a 16 point effort from Wechsler who scored half of her points from the free throw line on 8-of-8 attempts.

The Lynx took a 24-17 lead into halftime, but came out aggressively in the second half on a 7-2 run capped off by a shot by Hailee Lowe of Hamilton, MA. Lowe finished the game as the leading scorer from both teams with 22 points and added seven rebounds in the victory.

Bay Path junior forward Ashley Cimmino of Westfield, MA, scored 10 points and grabbed five rebounds in a solid effort for the Wildcats.

Lynx Rachael O’Mara of Levittown, NY, also had a good game with eight points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

Bay Path will travel to Becker College on Tuesday February 10 for a 7:00 p.m. game.